Beginning of a beautiful friendship

Next day, I couldn't wait for the science class. I even had colored chalks ready so I can explain chemical energy effectively.

"I hope the teacher doesn't choose you for the quiz team," Bhumika said before the science class. "Both for your sake and the janitor's."

Maybe she thought she was scaring me, but she was just coming off desperate. I wondered whether I could use her desperation for the good of everybody.

"If you are so worried, why don't we make a deal. You help me out a little and I help you out a little," I said. She looked at me suspiciously.

"I will decline to participate in the quiz, if you recommend the janitor to the teacher for the lab attendant job," I said.

Okay, so I wanted to help the janitor. I just didn't want to be seen helping him because, well! it will be bad for my image. But I knew Bhumika had no such qualms! She didn't have any problems with being a nerd. I mean she wanted to participate in the inter school quiz!

"Why do you think the teacher will listen to me?" Bhumika asked.

"You are his favorite student. You will find a way if you really want the place in quiz team," I said.

Bhumika thought a little but finally agreed. We shook hands on the deal.

The science teacher appeared at the door and suddenly everybody became silent. He reached his desk and surveyed around the class. I tried to hide my eagerness and look normal.

"So, what do you guys say for ...," the class teacher drawled.

My body slowly tensed in expectation as I got ready to be called to explain in chemical energy.

"... a surprise test," the class teacher finished.

What! I looked at the teacher confused. Had he forgotten what he said yesterday?

"Sir! You told me that I should explain chemical energy today," I got up.

"Yes, I said that so the surprise test would really come as a surprise," the class teacher said chuckling.

"Oh! By the way, whoever gets maximum marks will represent our school in the inter school quiz competition," the class teacher said. As he said, his head automatically turned towards Bhumika and a trace of smile appeared in his face.

I turned to look at Bhumika too. As soon as she saw me, she started gesticulating wildly. I knew what she was trying to say - The deal is Off.

I wish I could say that I aced the test and got into the quiz team. But the test was on periodic table. To ace the test, I had to know the names of hundred elements, their hundred symbols, hundred years in which they were discovered and so on. In short, I had to be Bhumika.

Qns : Which scientist exclaimed 'Eureka!'
Ans : Scientist Archimedes exclaimed Eureka.
 
Qns : What did Archimedes discover?
Ans : Maybe, Bathtub??

"I am sorry. I couldn't help you," I told the janitor in the evening. "I tried though."

After the test, I did ask the teacher about the lab attendant job. I really did want to help the janitor. But he said he had already selected a candidate -his nephew!

"As usual the job doesn't go to the most deserving candidate," he said as he mopped the floor.

I felt bad for him.

"I think I can cheer you up. I have a story idea for you, an idea for the greatest story," I said. "That is if you are still interested in writing."

"Are you kidding?" The janitor asked. "Writing is my first love. Tell me about the idea."

So I told him about my dream and story idea of an astronaut getting stuck in a planet which is being slowly sucked by a massive star nearby.

"It is science fiction," the janitor said doubtful.

"Yeah! But Hollywood would be interested, if you write well."

The janitor nodded thoughtfully.

"Are you sure you don't want to write yourself," the janitor asked.

"Nah! Between homework and the journal I haven't got time," I said. "Besides our class is going to a farm for next two weeks for a practical class on agriculture."

"Okay then!" the janitor said. "I will mention you in the acknowledgements of my book."

"So are we friends again?" I asked.

"We will always be friends!" the janitor said. "Common let's have a hug!" .

I looked around before politely declining.

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