Plus One

It was a warm summer vacation and here I am waiting for my 10th grade board exam result. Those days only result was published in daily newspaper..It was just the emergence of the Internet era and students started looking for our scores in the net. Of course, houses rarely had desktops and laptops not even reached those time..

Being a studious student.. no doubt for the result although that adolescent mind had all sorts of thoughts. What happens if my paper is lost in transition if the teacher who evaluates not in a good mood or a few pages of my answer paper is lost. After Exams, I used to pray none of these things should happen..So on the result day.. got the result. Yes, I passed in my secondary school as expected.

Mm.. but what about the marks and already there is curiosity who is the school topper. Although one of the class toppers, had competitors and so-called rivals. My classmates got to know their marks and other toppers' too. Only Viji's is missing if the roll no is keyed in the site.. Mind filled with all kinds of thoughts..and getting anxious as the time passes.. Its already 1 afternoon..With Appa, getting ready to go to the net center in the Market area.

" Mami".. a voice in the door entrance. It's none other than Dinesh, my late cousin, childhood friend and supporter. " What Viji" you got the result he asked..No, I briefed what's happening. Then he thought for a second and said.. let's go ..Finally, we were getting ready and starting to the net cafe.. Amma is a bit hesitant though to send me alone. I was reluctant in going with no further delay.

Getting down the stairs and walking in our crowded narrow street. RTO office was in our street and so it was super busy always with vehicles. "Hey Viji" someone screamed.. who is this now.. Its Indhu - Busmate, Lunchmate, and classmate. Where are you going...she asked. Same story and she wanted to come home.. Being from a conservative family, hospitality is one we don't give up with the Guest. I should take her home but mind going for results...with all the courage, I slowly said.." Indhu.. I am going to check the result ". There she is.. got little down with my response but being a nice friend, she let me go. Oh there Dinesh is waiting for me and said take your time. We are marching and finally reached the cafe. " Anna" I called In-charge Person and asked to check my result. He said " Wait ma, so many are waiting".. I pleaded Anna.. Then Dinesh stepped up " Boss, please check and let this girl know. Hesitating, he sat and logged in the system. He asked my registration number and my heart beats faster than ever.

Enter...........he pressed and the table is popped with 5 Rows and one big row at the bottom. He keeps turning his head to me and Dinesh is looking at me too. Then I looked into the system .90..90+...this is how it is.. Yes, all the scores above 90 but final result.I was the school topper. Anna said, " What ma are these marks and laughed ".

Dinesh wished me and I am taking a fast run to meet Appa and Amma. Crossing the railway bridge to go home and enter 11(+1)th grade too..