The sun cast a warm glow across the street as a tall, beautiful woman wearing a confused expression strode towards a small building with large letters spelling out "Exotic Cuisine" displayed at the top part of the building. She was lost in thought and kept murmuring to herself that she didn't know she had reached the entrance of her restaurant.
***
She opened the glass door and was welcomed by the usual aroma of different delicacies, which were being displayed in large glass cases. So many customers were queued up ordering food, which was a result of few of her workers available to attend to them. But that was the least of her problems at that moment.

Two days back, she had received a phone call from a man who identified himself as Mr. Thompson. He explained he had gotten her number from one of her friends whose housewarming party he had attended and had been impressed by the food she had prepared. He asked her to prepare a dish that was perfect for his wife's birthday party. She was as thrilled as always whenever business came her way. But after making inquiries from her friend, she found out that the client was a prominent figure in the society. She recognized this as a significant opportunity. If she was able to impress him, it could lead to referrals among his influential friends. She really needed these opportunities to boost her new restaurant's reputation. But the only thing that bothered her was the fear of not being able to impress Mr. Thompson. She always had doubts about herself whenever she was in situations of this kind.

![35375.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmPvvM5nGeWRugFXLDr1t4HDE95wP6Mdn1GpYpAvYzefyk/35375.jpg)
[Source](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/intense-african-american-curly-haired-woman-panic-holding-hair-widen-eyes-gasping-shocked-made-huge-mistake-standing-stupor-terrified-stunned-terrible-complicated-situation-white-wall_17613159.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=1&uuid=876f1306-9709-40cd-a4bd-9f02651a6e87&query=Anxious+woman+)

After discussing ideas with her team of chefs, Sophia headed home exhausted, having not reached a final decision.
***
On arriving home, she threw her handbag onto an armchair in her living room and flung herself onto the sofa opposite it. She kept racking her brain on what to do. She then decided to prepare some tea to calm herself. As she reached for a teacup in a cupboard above her, she accidentally knocked over an ornate vial her grandmother had given her, claiming it held family heritage. She had carelessly stored it there despite her grandmother's warnings to keep it safe and avoid dropping it from a high distance. As the vial hit the ground, its cover flew open and was followed by a dark smoke, which came out with a surprising force, as though it had wanted to leave the vial for a long time. The smoke filled the room and then gradually formed into a very tall woman with blue skin shimmering like the stars and long black hair tied in a ponytail, and she was wearing a gemstone-encrusted robe. Sophia's mind was racing very fast as she stared at the gigantic woman who had to bend over to avoid her head hitting the ceiling. Then the woman smiled and spoke in a very calm voice, "My name is Zahara. You have freed me, mortal. I have been imprisoned for ages, and your release comes with a price. You have one wish to make, and I shall grant it," the genie said, still smiling at Sophia. Sophia had grown up hearing tales of genies, but she always thought they were mere fantasy. Yet, here she was, face-to-face with a real genie. It took her some time to register she was still in this world. Desperate for a solution to her current problem, she said with a shaky voice,

"Can you give me a spice that would make my dishes outstanding?"

"Your wish shall be granted!" The genie said, and with a swift movement of her right hand, an ancient bottle appeared out of nowhere in the hand of Zahara. She then stretched her large hand and handed it over to the scared Sophia.

"This is Diwali dust. An eternal spice infused with magic. Add it to any of your dishes, and it will become a masterpiece." Zahara said, still smiling. Sophia opened the bottle and was carried away by the smell of spice coming from inside the bottle. "But..." The genie kept talking, but Sophia paid no attention any longer, as all that was in her head was to try out the spice. "...be careful, mortal," the genie ended her speech, and before Sophia could tell her thanks, the genie disappeared. She was totally overwhelmed with excitement. She had finally gotten what she was looking for.
![23322.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmRXDFSgDgS39snKuyMKbVXLWc8XFvTQWzV2dBNsMcaW5o/23322.jpg)
[Source](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/surprised-playful-touched-good-looking-african-american-woman-glasses-stylish-brown-t-shirt-clasping-hands-smiling-from-joy-excitement-liking-great-show_10150945.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=1&uuid=42c5acaf-f623-4357-9911-ce820fe3cafc&query=Happy+woman+)
***
The next day, she explained everything to one of her employees, who was her close friend and also who she trusted.

"Are you sure it won't have effects on humans?" Her friend asked wisely.

"What could possibly go wrong? Besides, it's a genie, for crying out loud. From stories I've heard, their rewards are marvelous."

Her friend still didn't support the idea of her using the spice, but after Sophia cooked with the spice, her friend was convinced.

During the preparation of Mr. Thompson's wife's party dishes, Sophia added the Diwali dust to them confidently, and together with her staff, they headed for the party when they were done.

Everything was going smoothly. The guests were impressed with the taste and appearance of the dishes. Sophia was delighted. But then, one of Mr. Thompson's friends suddenly stood up and started dancing even without any music playing.

One by one, all the guests, including Mr. Thompson and his wife, who had eaten Sophia's food, rose to their feet and started dancing wildly. Sophia and her staff were watching them, confused as to what was happening. They tried to sit them down when they noticed the dance was getting out of control, but it proved futile.

"Sophia, could this be the Diwali dust?" Her friend, who knew about the spice, whispered wearily in her ear. She knew it was no other thing than the genie's spice, but she had been suppressing the truth. How could this be possible? She broke down and started crying. If she doesn't act fast now, this could get out of hand. She ran inside one of Mr. Thompson's toilets so she could be alone. She didn't have any idea how to summon the genie, but she took the Diwali dust bottle out and started yelling the genie's name, hoping she would appear. After several cries, Zahara appeared, frowning at Sophia.

"You mortal! Why do you summon me?!" She barked angrily at Sophia.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I really need your help," Sophia said, falling to her knees with tears pouring down her cheeks. Zahara hissed.

"I told you, but you wouldn't listen! Do not use more than a teaspoon of this spice when cooking, no matter the quantity"!

It was then Sophia realized she hadn't listened to the instructions. It didn't affect her and her friend because, when preparing their food, she had only poured a little amount of the spice, which wasn't more than a teaspoon. But when cooking Mr. Thompson's dishes, she had poured the whole bottle ignorantly.

"I'd solve your problem. I only came because I knew you'd make that mistake, as you weren't paying attention then. Don't expect me to show up ever again!" Zahara said, and with a swift of her hand, another bottle appeared, and she gave it to Sophia, instructing her to administer the contents to all of them, one teaspoon each.

Luckily for Sophia, they were all themselves after taking the contents in the bottle, but she knew she had messed things up.
Her overconfidence in thinking nothing could go wrong nearly cost her everything