The classroom door banged open again, making everyone jump in their seats. The history teacher, Mrs. Mehta, strode in, her sharp eyes scanning the room like a detective searching for criminals.
"Alright, class," she announced, clapping her hands together. "Books away. Test starts now."
A collective groan echoed through the room, like a choir of students mourning their fate. The first class test of the year—no one had expected it today, not like this, without warning!
Tiya, ever the mastermind of last-minute excuses, shot up from her seat, clutching her right hand dramatically. "Ma'am! I have a terrible injury! Writing is impossible!"
Mrs. Mehta arched a skeptical brow. "Oh? What happened?"
Tiya sighed, shaking her head as if recalling a tragic accident. "Ma'am, it's too painful to talk about." She winced for effect. "But please… be considerate. I'm in immense pain!"
The teacher crossed her arms. "Fine. Then give the test orally."
Tiya froze mid-dramatic pose. "Wha—Orally?!"
"Yes."
Tiya's brain short-circuited. Her plan had backfired. "That's… that's…" she stammered, desperately searching for an escape.
"Yes?" Mrs. Mehta leaned in, waiting.
Tiya straightened up, forcing a smile. "That's a brilliant idea! I will gladly take an oral test… just… after some rest."
Mrs. Mehta smirked. "Great! We'll do it right after class."
Tiya looked like she had seen a ghost. Chahat, sitting next to her, facepalmed. Jai and Kiya, on the other hand, were practically falling out of their seats with laughter. The rest of the class exchanged amused glances, some whispering bets on whether Tiya would miraculously recover before the oral test began.
Chaos and Comedy Ensue
The test began. Mrs. Mehta handed out the question papers, and the students stared at them as if they'd been handed ancient scrolls in an unknown language. A few sighed in relief at easy questions, while others exchanged desperate glances, telepathically seeking answers from their more studious classmates.
Jai nudged Chahat and whispered, "Hey, what's the answer to question three?"
Chahat, without looking up, muttered, "Read your textbook for once."
Jai groaned. "Come on, I thought we were friends!"
Kiya, overhearing, snickered. "Some friendship. You only remember her during tests!"
From the back of the class, Aman muttered, "Psst… does anyone remember the date of the Revolt of 1857?"
Tiya, who was supposed to be suffering from an injury, casually whispered, "1857."
Aman stared at her. "Wait, you can remember that, but you can't write?"
Tiya immediately clutched her hand again. "Shhh! My pain is selective!"
Mrs. Mehta, who had the ears of a hawk, looked up. "Everything alright back there?"
The entire class went pin-drop silent.
After what felt like an eternity, the test was over. Students scribbled the last of their answers, some looking relieved, others looking like they'd just survived a battle. Mrs. Mehta went around collecting the answer sheets, giving a stern glance to anyone who hesitated even a second longer.
"Alright," she said, stacking the papers. "You will get your marks in the next class."
A collective sigh of both relief and dread spread across the room.
Tiya's Bitter Luck
As soon as Mrs. Mehta left, Tiya slumped in her seat, muttering to herself, "Even if I try to escape the test, the test itself will never leave me."
Chahat shook her head. "Serves you right."
Jai grinned. "I can't wait for your oral test, Tiya."
Kiya added with a smirk, "Shall we bring popcorn?"
Tiya glared at them. "You guys are the worst."
The rest of the class burst into laughter. One thing was for sure—the real entertainment was yet to come.