A Dusty Book

Nidhi, as usual, was in the school, when the bell rang and the science period ended. It was the library period now.

Nidhi was delighted at the thought that she could read any book she wanted today as a reward for silently reading books since the previous month. She decided to read nonfiction books. The book she chose was rather old and covered with dust. She thought to better read it at home and so she borrowed it.

She started reading 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'. It was an amazing book and was full of twists. Nidhi was deeply absorbed in the book when the librarian asked her to leave.

After library, it was the lunch break. She enjoyed having her lunch with her friends.

After school, as soon as Nidhi completed her homework, she took out the old book which she had borrowed from the library.

She tried to clean the dust up from it. Suddenly, the book lifted up into the air. Then came out a lady, dressed in a yellow gown and had spectacles above her nose. She thanked Nidhi and introduced herself, " I am Marigold, and I am very thankful to you for waking me up. I am a lenie and would like you to help me 3 times". Nidhi was confused. A 'lenie' ? Asking her to help her 3 times ?

Marigold understood Nidhi's confusion and began explaining," Lenies are completely the opposite of genies and they ask for help instead of granting wishes. You don't need to be worried, I'll guide you when you need help in helping me".

After some time, Marigold asked for the first help which was quite simple. It was to help her choose a new dress. Nidhi was quite good at it. So, the first task was completed.

The second task was to go and find another interesting book for Marigold to read and sleep in as Marigold was a lenie. Nidhi took a lot of time to do this. Since Nidhi wanted to find the biggest and most interesting novel. At last, she completed this task too.

The third task was even more difficult. It was to not sleep for a night and keep a watch on Marigold's gigantic magic wand which couldn't fit in Nidhi's home. And the problem was that her mother didn't want her to miss sleeping. So, Nidhi took the help of a CCTV camera and an alert system. She completed this task too.

Marigold said that it was unfair to use technology. So she demanded a fourth help.

Marigold didn't give her any task that day. At night, she (Marigold) was kidnapped.

Yes, she was kidnapped by evil lenies who hated her. Nidhi got to know all this by a time tool made by her grandpa. She immediately called for a meeting with her friends. They decided to start immediately for the kingdom of lenies with the necessities.

The old book which Nidhi had borrowed from the library served as a great help to find Marigold. But the book only gave them riddles which they solved and came closer to Marigold. The last riddle led them to a castle which was dark in the beginning but became brighter as they further went inside. There was a door, but it was locked. It was covered with cobwebs. The girls didn't know what to do. They were all confused. They spotted a keyhole-shaped in the form of a book. The old book suddenly opened and few words started appearing on it. They were, " Marigold is here, I do swear. Open the door with the thing that led you here. The girls placed the book in the keyhole, it glowed, but the door didn't open. More words appeared in the book as it fell back into Nidhi's hands - " Not only the book but even the person who hates reading can't go inside". Nidhi had to go alone inside! She tried to find Marigold, but couldn't. There was a thin bridge leading to a huge rock. Nidhi thought that Marigold might be there.

Under the bridge were snakes on one side and lava on the other side separated by a thin wall, which was standing with the support of a short stick. Nidhi began walking on the bridge. But, the bridge began to break. Nidhi took out her mini copter and attached it to her head. Then she saw that Marigold was trapped in a cage hung on the ceiling!

She increased her speed, and tried to go higher, but was unable to do so and then, while in the air, she read a note on a rock, "If you want to free your friend, then you must kill the snakes without touching or shooting them ".

An idea struck Nidhi's mind. She shot the short stick that supported the wall. The wall collapsed and the lava came rushing towards the snakes and killed them. The snakes, the lava, and everything in the castle disappeared. A lady in a white gown, and with her hair tied beautifully, appeared before her and smiled.

"Well done Nidhi! You have passed the test of friendship. I am the queen of friendship. You are awarded the dress and book that you helped me choose. Great job! Your friends are waiting for you. Goodbye! " And after saying this the queen vanished.