The exam results were out.
Lata—C Grade (Totally expected!)
Ankur—A Grade (Smart guy!)
Kajal—B Grade (WHAT….?!)
Kajal was shocked! She had always been the topper! How did this even happen?!
With a heavy heart, she thought to herself—”Love and all is not for me! My only true love is books!”
Lata, on the other hand, pounced like a tiger!
“See? Love makes your grades drop! I told you before! I, on the other hand, have two crazy fans of mine—one tells me the answers during exams, and the other buys me ice cream! Perfect balance! And look at you, you fell in love and turned into a fool!”
Ankur burst out laughing. “Okay, okay, everyone calm down! Let’s observe a minute of silence for our ‘former topper’!”
Kajal slumped down. “I just can’t accept this B grade!”
But the real problem was yet to come!
BABA!!!
Kajal panicked! There was no way she could show this result to her father! If he saw it, she would definitely get a slap!
So, thinking smart, she decided to show it to Mamoni first.
“Mamoni, I need to tell you something…”
Mamoni lovingly said, “Yes dear, what is it?”
Slowly, Kajal handed over the marksheet. “Here… my results…”
One glance, and Mamoni screamed, “B GRADE?! My daughter got a B?! Unbelievable!”
Lata was rolling on the floor laughing.
“Kajal, you’re in worse shape than me! Now, go show it to your baba and see what happens!”
Kajal, on the verge of tears, said, “No way! If baba sees this, I’m done for!”
Ankur calmly predicted, “Hmm… If baba sees the result, first, he’ll adjust his glasses, then, in a very calm voice, he’ll ask—‘What is this?’ And then… THWACK!! One tight slap!”
Lata whispered, “Don’t worry, I get slapped once or twice a week. You’ll get used to it!”
Kajal shook her head violently, “No, no! I’m not going to baba!”
BREAKING NEWS: Baba is now standing at the door!
Everyone froze.
With trembling hands, Kajal held out the marksheet.
Baba glanced at it…
Then…
He smiled.
Now, this is even scarier!
Mamoni shouted, “Why aren’t you saying anything?! She got a B!”
Baba, in a calm voice, said, “This is a good result.”
Kajal was stunned! Baba is not angry?! How is this possible?!
Lata whispered, “This is a new kind of danger! If baba smiles, it means a storm is coming!”
Ankur scratched his head and said, “Either baba is getting old… or he’s planning something so dangerous that your life is about to be over!”
Kajal was still shaking with fear!
Baba clears his throat, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“Ahem! No problem. Try again next time… I know you’ve got it in you.”
It’s as if someone breathes life back into Kajal—her heart, moments ago heavy, feels light again.
But the real picture of joy is Lata. For once, the storm of Baba’s scolding has passed over her head, and a quiet sunshine spills across her face.
To be continued…
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