Chapter 6: The Universe’s Test Paper

With the rules established, the scientists let their imaginations run wild. Some wanted to solve unsolved math problems; another joked about lottery numbers. The room buzzed with wild hope and practical plans.

I stared at my test paper, lost in thought. Would my board marks be cancelled? Would I be famous for something other than the quiz trophy? What would Amma say if she saw this? I thought of Ma’s morning prayer, her whispered hopes for my success, and wondered what she’d say if she saw this.

'Please describe in detail the process of the universe’s formation. (10 marks)'

I blinked, feeling the weight of a universe on my shoulders. The air felt thick, as if even the answer sheets were holding their breath.

'Please give 10 examples of planets with extraterrestrial civilisations that are closest to Earth. (1 mark each, 10 marks in total)'

A ripple of excitement passed through the scientists. Some whispered about Nobel Prizes and international fame.

'Please explain the process of human evolution and your prediction for humanity’s future development. (10 marks)'

The questions were bigger than any textbook. I glanced at the invigilator, who shrugged, as if to say, 'Bas, ab toh uparwala hi jaane.'

Looking at these questions, I even doubted whether the drawer would produce answers. I bit my lip, half-convinced the magic had ended. The scientists in the next room waited with bated breath.

But after more than ten minutes, the drawer began to spew countless answer sheets, as if a dam had burst. The invigilator and I rushed to catch them, stacking the sheets in piles as if we were catching water in our hands. The scent of fresh ink and paper filled the air, like Holi with flying papers.

This went on for more than twenty minutes. By the end, we were exhausted, lying among the papers, clothes rumpled, hair sticking to our foreheads. The invigilator’s shirt was soaked, my heart pounding.

'Exam... exam over, please... please stop writing,' the invigilator gasped, voice weak. I nodded, feeling the absurdity and the weight of it all.

I truly admired his dedication. Strict outside, but always on your side when it matters most.

After the scientists swept through, clutching answer sheets like rare treasures, only the invigilator and I were left. The last rays of sunlight streamed through the windows, casting shadows over the scattered papers.

'Sir, aren’t you curious where these papers came from?' I asked, half-expecting a philosophical reply.

'If those smartest people can’t figure it out, why would I? All I know is, after this, small fry like us might finally have a shot at making it big.'

I was silent for a while, then said, 'Sir, I want to know who sent these papers.'

He smiled wryly, eyes twinkling. 'Alright, since no one cares about us now, say what you want to ask—I’ll make the test paper for you.'

We walked side by side to the office, our footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. The old desktop whirred to life. He typed with two fingers as I dictated: 'Please write an essay titled "Self-Introduction." No word limit, no poetry.'

He looked at me over his glasses, eyebrows raised. I nodded. 'That’s it.'

He hit print. The printer whirred, spitting out the paper. We looked at each other, a silent pact between us.

Back in the hall, the invigilator recited the exam rules again—his voice tired but steady, echoing off the walls. 'Exam begins.'

With his announcement, I began to look forward to the answer in the drawer. Every muscle in my body was tense, anticipation building. I kept glancing at the drawer, half-hoping, half-dreading what might appear next.

Soon, a sheet appeared in the drawer. Unlike before, this one was handwritten, every letter neat. I reached in, heart thumping. The handwriting was elegant, old-fashioned, with flourishes like my grandfather’s letters from the village.

I excitedly took it out, and the invigilator joined me, our emotions no less intense than the scientists’ earlier. We stood shoulder to shoulder, peering at the paper as if it held the secret to the universe. For the first time all day, we smiled together.

Maybe, just maybe, the universe finally wanted to hear my story.

I cleared my throat and began to read the words on the paper: