All we want for Mindy Kaling's birthday is Mindy Lahiri together with Danny Castellano

Erin Jensen | Paste BN

Mindy Kaling turned 37 on Friday, and we are boldly going to ask to hijack her birthday wish.

No, it's not cool, and if someone did that to us we would certainly have a clapback with colorful, Ben Affleck-type language, but our audacity spurts from our desperation.

(As a side note, Kaling is the showrunner of her own series that has been green lit for a fifth season, has authored two New York Times bestsellers, and gets to hash out her issues with her bestie, B.J. Novak. So maybe she doesn't really need that wish. Also, last year she received balloons from McDonald's on her birthday, so we will proceed.)

On Tuesday's Mindy Project our sometimes self-involved heroine locked lips with the Southern and insatiable Dr. Jody Kimball-Kinney (Garret Dillahunt). And while the screen faded to black before we could gauge their reactions, our stomachs churned at the idea of a serious romance between the two.

Before you start tweeting UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson to give us a lesson on what it is to be a feminist, we don't think Mindy should quit any of her jobs in order to fit Danny Castellano's (Chris Messina) image of the ideal woman — a domesticated, stay-at-home breeder.

But like Messina told Glamour magazine, "It would be nice to have (Mindy and Danny) both, especially Danny, wake up and realize that love like that doesn't always come around." Dear Danny, please check the prescription on your red, magnetic reading glasses, okay?

In addition to being supportive of her career, Mindy was attracted to Jody because he appreciated Leo, unlike her ex, Drew, who wouldn't make her son a priority. But since Danny is a present father, is there really anyone who would put Leo higher on their lists?

And let's recall Mindy and Jody's first meeting on the subway when he shamed her for breastfeeding in public. During their chat, he also mentioned how he celebrated his 40th birthday — by hiring two Georgia State cheerleaders to wrestle in barbecue sauce. Perhaps this behavior qualifies him as a presidential candidate, but a role model for Leo? We think not.

Sure, the fact that Jody wrote Mindy a letter instead of asking her out on Snapchat is a romantic gesture considering the times. And, Colette (Fortune Feimster) would certainly be the best sister-in-law ever, but let's not forget how Jody let his libido jeopardize Later Baby, Mindy's egg freezing business.

While Jody and Mindy's relationship has become friendlier, it's hard to dismiss the fantasy of Danny and Mindy ending up together. Why else would Kaling and crew have referenced the godmother of modern love stories, Nora Ephron, so many times throughout the series?

Can we forget Danny's Harry Burns-style run to meet Mindy on top of the Empire State Building in the season 2 finale? Or when he traveled all the way to India to meet Mindy's parents in the last episode of season 3? Danny is king of the grand gesture, the type Mindy ravages like a bear claw. The vision of "Diamond Dan's" striptease is hard to shake, or Mindy telling Danny in a dream sequence "You're the one I'm supposed to be with."

For a moment, let's entertain an uneducated analysis of what Danny's motivations might be. Since his dad abandoned him and his mom had to work, Danny didn't get to spend a lot of time with his parents growing up. So does Danny want Mindy to quit her job because he's sexist, or because he feels like he's broken and couldn't give Leo the love Danny thinks he needs?

Danny and Mindy also have off the charts chemistry. Sparks were undeniable in their elevator ride this season, and that airplane kiss is still ingrained in our memories.

After thinking it over, perhaps Kaling's wish is best spent on hoping Danny realizes how special his connection with Mindy is, that he's not damaged from childhood, and that Mindy working won't damage Leo.

Since Mindy returned from an excruciatingly long season 4 break, we've been chronicling the most Mindy moments. Get your laugh on, and read more of what lead to our heart's desire by clicking the links below.

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