The day that had begun badly for Shalini was getting worse.
“Are you trying to copy from Sunil?” demanded Mrs. Vikram.
“Certainly not, ma’am,” replied Shalini indignantly, peering out from behind a chair. “I’m looking for my eraser, which appears to have bounced off.”
“Bounce back to your seat immediately,” ordered Mrs. Vikram, as the students giggled. “What is that object beside your pen?”
Shalini stared at her eraser in surprise. She was feeling woolly-headed and knew it was her fault. She had overslept that morning and, as she rushed to get ready, nothing seemed to be in its place. With one shoe on, she had hopped about till she found the other, and had lost valuable time.
From bad to worse “No breakfast,” she had announced, running out of the house, only to dash back because she missed her bus. Shalini’s father had driven her quickly to school, but the bell had rung before she reached the gate.
“Black mark!” the prefect on duty had declared gleefully. She was envious of bright, popular Shalini, who was usually punctual. Shalini had raced to her classroom, where Mrs. Vikram was conducting a test.
Shalini was thorough with all the Mughals, except Akbar. She had intended to read up on him the previous evening, but left it too late. Now, she found herself faced with several questions on the emperor.
When did Akbar ascend the throne? What was his new religion? Which tax did he abolish? Where was his tomb?
Tears sprang to Shalini’s eyes. If only she had done her revision, this would have been so easy!
As the children handed over their answer sheets and left for the library, Mrs. Vikram quietly approached Shalini. She knew that the girl worked hard, and was worried about her. “What’s the matter, dear?” she enquired gently. “You aren’t your usual self. Are you ill?”
Shalini burst into tears. “Oh ma’am,” she sobbed, “I was watching a film after everyone had gone to bed. It went on long past 12 and, instead of turning off the TV halfway and returning to my room, I stayed up and watched till the end. I feel so dull and confused today. I didn’t study enough and I’m sure I’ve failed my test.”
Picking up Shalini’s paper from her desk, Mrs. Vikram went through it. “You haven’t done too badly,” she said. “Of course, you generally do much better.”
Patting Shalini on the shoulder, she said kindly, “Don’t worry! I’m sure this won’t happen again, so put the episode behind you.” She smiled and tapped the eraser on Shalini’s desk. “My subject is about reviving the past, but let us completely erase this slice of midnight-movie history!”
