Page 65 - Lavender-B-7

Half an hour passed, then one hour. Still there was no sign of Nandini.

Anitha was really glad. ‘So Nandini will not be coming for today’s exam. She’s going to
fail and again

I am going to be the class topper.’

With only half an hour’s time left Nandini rushed into the hall, sweat running down her
face. The teacher helped her to a chair and gave her the question and answer paper. Poor
Nandini was too exhausted to write anything and gave up halfway.

When the examination ended, everyone gathered around Nandini.

‘What happened?’ Why do you Just a Minute!

‘Why were you late?’ think did Nandini
get late?
‘I was delayed a bit,’ Nandini explained.

The others tried asking Nandini more questions but Nandini was evasive.

Anitha couldn’t help taunting Nandini. ‘You are so lazy. Serves you right! You are going to

fail this exam.’

A tear rolled down from Nandini’s eye and she ran away from the spot.

Anitha went back home in her car. She saw many of her classmates walking home. But she
didn’t bother to offer them a lift.

When Anitha walked into her home she knew something was wrong. Her relatives were
present in the house, her mother was looking tense and the doctor was calming everyone.

‘What happened?’ Anitha rushed to her mother.

Her mother embraced her. ‘Nothing, child. Thank God nothing has happened.’

‘Where is Daddy?’

Her mother led her to the bedroom. Her father was lying on the bed, looking a bit pale.

Anitha knelt by her father’s side.

‘One of your classmates helped me,’ her father
whispered.

‘Don’t speak to him now,’ her mother led her away.

Back in the hall, her mother explained. ‘Daddy had
left for his early morning walk when he suffered a
stroke and collapsed on the pavement. Thank God

one of your classmates passed by and took your
father to the hospital.’

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