Being an avid reader, there have been many books that have made significant contributions to my life. However, this particular book stands out from the rest for reasons of its own. The book I speak of is titled "Textbook of Science and Technology for Class IX". It is a very interesting book that captures the wonders of science and portrays them lividly with eye-catching illustrations.
On the cloudy evening prior to my preliminary science examination, I fetched the book from my bag. I was determined to complete revising the syllabus before dinner time. I lay the book on my desk, its gaudy purple cover projecting its majesty over the blandness of my study table. I paused for a moment to appreciate it before turning to the first chapter I had to study. I began reading swiftly. Five minutes into the process, I felt something odd about the book I was reading. Its pages were soft and shabby. Was it the moistness from the rain last week? If so, it was fortunate that the print remained conserved. I quickly sifted through the pages to check for damage. It was then that I was struck with horror. The textbook I had been reading for the past few minutes had been used extensively and shabbily, many of its pages were cruelly decorated with graphite underlines and fluoroscent highlights. The book was not mine! Following the dawn of panic, I turned to the first page. And there, in the top right corner, in neat cursive font was the name of Trupti Kelkar, supported by her roll number and class and division. I looked into my bag again, and a purple being gazed out meekly. My book was still in my bag!
I stood up with a start and grabbing Trupti's book in my hand, I rushed out of the house. I had to deliver it to her. She was the most studious student of our class. She was sincere and hardworking. And well, she had no book to study from for the exam! If the book didn't reach her on time, she would never forgive me for being the cause of her fall down the rankings. I cursed myself for even, in the first place, having borrowed the book in school. I ran down the street to where her house was. It took me ten minutes to reach there, and when I did reach there, I was soaked from head to toe by the uncanny heavy drizzle. It was Trupti's mother who opened the door. Upon recognising me, she called out to her daughter, simultaneously fetching a towel in my aid.
"Oh you needn't have done this!" exclaimed Trupti, sympathising with me on seeing the condition I was in. As I wiped my head with the hand-towel, she explained that she had already finished studying for the exam. I replied saying that in case of an urge for revision or to recheck a certain fact, having the textbook was always of benefit. "I don't think that would be of any help, would it?" She pointed at the floor. My gaze traced the direction she was pointing it, and landed upon a soggy heap of purple-and-white sheets of paper lying on the floor where I had dropped it without realising. I felt a sudden warmth in my cheeks, as my own stupidity revealed itself to me. I shot an embarassed glance at Trupti. She stood there, gauging my reaction, and at my glance, she responded with a smile. That smile has lingered in my memory for years since.
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