The dreaded moment had arrived.
After the written test, Mrs. Mehta instructed the class to stay back for a few extra minutes. She pulled up a chair in front of the classroom, crossed her arms, and gestured for Tiya to come forward.
"Alright, Tiya," she said with a smirk. "Since you conveniently couldn't write the test, let's see how well you can answer these questions verbally."
Tiya, who had been silently praying for a last-minute miracle (like an earthquake, fire drill, or an alien invasion), gulped. She looked around for support, only to see her classmates settling into their seats with snacks.
Yes. Snacks.
Jai had a packet of chips. Kiya was munching on a chocolate bar. Chahat had somehow acquired a bag of popcorn. Even Aman, who usually stayed out of mischief, had peeled an orange and was eating it slice by slice, as if he were watching a live movie.
"You guys brought food?!" Tiya hissed.
Jai grinned. "Of course! You're the main event today."
Kiya nodded. "We couldn't miss this show."
The rest of the class chuckled, fully prepared for the Tiya vs. History battle.
Round One: The Date Disaster
Mrs. Mehta tapped her fingers on the desk. "Let's begin. First question: When did the Revolt of 1857 start?"
Tiya blinked. "Uhh… 1857?"
"Month and date?"
Tiya panicked. "Somewhere in 1857?"
The class burst into laughter. Chahat shook her head, and Jai threw a popcorn piece at Tiya.
"You literally told Aman the answer earlier!" Kiya snorted.
Mrs. Mehta sighed. "Fine. Next question. Who was the first Governor-General of India?"
Tiya took a deep breath. "Umm… Gandhi?"
The entire class erupted. Aman choked on his orange. Kiya dropped her chocolate. Jai was laughing so hard he almost fell off his chair.
Chahat covered her face. "I don't know her."
Mrs. Mehta raised an eyebrow. "Gandhi? As the first Governor-General of India?"
Tiya let out a nervous chuckle. "Uh… No? Maybe? Ma'am, I think my injury is affecting my memory too!"
Jai wiped away fake tears. "This is better than TV."
Round Two: The Mystery of the Mughals
Mrs. Mehta sighed and continued, "Who was the last Mughal emperor of India?"
Tiya perked up. "Oh! I know this one! It's… um…" She glanced at her classmates, hoping for help.
Jai, ever the prankster, whispered, "Akshay Kumar."
Tiya, in a panic, blurted, "Akshay Kumar!"
The class lost it. Even Mrs. Mehta facepalmed.
"TIYA!" Chahat groaned. "HE'S AN ACTOR!"
Tiya gasped. "Oh, wait! I meant—"
Mrs. Mehta cut her off. "Bahadur Shah Zafar. Next time, don't take history lessons from Jai."
Jai grinned. "I should be a teacher."
Round Three: The Trick Question
Mrs. Mehta smirked. "Alright, last question. Answer this, and I might consider passing you."
Tiya nodded eagerly. "Yes, ma'am! I'm ready!"
Mrs. Mehta leaned forward. "Who wrote the Indian Constitution?"
Tiya exhaled in relief. "Oh, easy! B.R. Ambedkar!"
The class gasped dramatically. Jai dropped his chips. Kiya clutched her heart. Aman whispered, "She actually got one right!"
Chahat grinned. "Miracles do happen."
Mrs. Mehta smiled. "Correct! But unfortunately, that doesn't make up for your previous answers."
Tiya groaned. "Ma'am, please… I suffered enough humiliation already!"
Mrs. Mehta stood up. "I hope you study next time instead of faking an injury."
The class cheered as Tiya walked back to her seat, utterly defeated. Jai patted her back. "Hey, at least you became a legend today."
Kiya nodded. "We'll be telling this story for years."
Tiya sighed. "Great. Just what I needed—eternal embarrassment."
As the students packed up to leave, Chahat handed Tiya some popcorn. "Here. You deserve it after that performance."
Tiya took it with a glare. "I hate you all."
The class only laughed harder.