Chapter 5: The Practice Test Results

The tension in the classroom was dense. The practice test results were finally out in just two weeks after the exam, and now the moment of truth had arrived.

Shazeb stretched lazily. "I do not know why everyone is so nervous. We all know my marks are going to be legendary."

"Yes, legendary from the bottom," I muttered, flipping my pen between my fingers.

"Whoa! At least, have some faith on me," Shazeb shot back. "You and Saksham had forced me to learn formulas like I was a first grade student. If, today I fail, it is on you guys."

Before I could say anything, Mishra Sir entered in, holding a pile of answersheets. Everyone was silent. It was the moment of truth.

"Okay, listen me out," Mishra Sir sighed dramatically. "Some of you may need a backup plan for your future if these marks are as bad as your attention in the class."

He started calling out names, handing over their answersheets one by one. My name was called, and I took my sheet. Not bad. I did well, as expected.

And then—

"Shazeb Azim."

Shazeb stood up confidently, took his answersheet, and blinked. "Sir… are these actually my marks? Or did you mix them up?"

Mishra Sir looked at him. "Surprised? Even I was surprised too. But it turns out, when you actually study, you don't fail. Revolutionary concept, huh?"

"Bro, I did it!" Shazeb whispered looking at me, holding up his answersheet like it was a trophy for him. "From zero to hero! I guess those torture sessions actually worked."

I shook my head. "Good job! lets see if you can keep this up."

Before the celebrations could continue, someone spoke up again,

"Hey, Devi."

I turned and saw Divya standing next to my desk.

She held her answersheet in one hand, looked effortlessly calm as ever.

"Thanks for the notes," she said with a small smile. "They really helped."

"Oh, uh—yeah, no problem!" I stammered, mentally punching myself for being so awkward.

She looked at my answersheet. "You did well too."

Shazeb, leaned closer and whispered, "Bro, now it is your chance to say something cool. Impress her."

Before I could even attempt to respond, she smirked. "By the way, I hope you did not just pass because of your notes. That would be embarrassing."

I blinked. Did she just—

She did. She teased me.

And before I could even think of a comeback, she turned and walked away, leaving me to process whatever just happened.

Shazeb whistled. "Damn, Devi. She really just owned you."

I was not buffering. I was dying.

--- After School ---

We hopped onto our bicycles, crisscrossing through the crowd of students, but my mind was elsewhere. She was teasing me. It was a small thing, but… I could not stop replaying it.

Shazeb noticed, he elbowed me. "Alright, spit it out. What is eating you?"

I hesitated before sighing. "It was just… Divya."

"Called it!" Shazeb grinned. "My boy has officially fallen."

I groaned. "It is not like that. I mean—it is, but… I donot know. It is weird. I have never felt like this before. It is like—I get nervous, but I want to talk to her. And then when I do, I mess up. But at the same time, just seeing her makes me… I don't know, happy?"

Shazeb clapped dramatically. "Ohoo, my boy is in love."

"Shut up."

"Nah, man, this is serious. We need a plan. "Get Devi a Love Story"."

I shook my head. "Dude, I do not even have the courage to talk to her properly. How am I supposed to confess anything?"

Shazeb. "Relax. That is why I'm here for. Just trust my methods."

"That is why I'm afraid."

As if things were not already complicated, the school was now filled with talk about the upcoming Children's Day celebrations.

 "This is perfect," Shazeb said excitedly. "A school event is the best time for a confession. We just have to find the right moment."

I groaned. "I regret telling you anything."

He grinned. "Too late to regret. The mission has begun."

And just like that, my simple life had officially curled into madness.