The first week went in a relative flux with Jonaki trying to learn the ropes. Archi and Mihi both ignored her on her face and Ashi refused to acknowledge her existence. But other than that, it was life as usual. Vin was not actively seeking her anymore and while at time Jonaki stumbled she stopped herself from asking for assistance. 

It was Friday, a week almost complete when Teacher Sundareshan wanted a match between Vin, Ashi, Narayani and Jonaki. The class was stunned. The first two names were expected, Narayani was a recent transfer for she was deemed as a Maths prodigy by the entire state post her participation and stellar result in Maths Olympiad, but why Jonaki. 

The exam started during the Maths Class while the other students were given the liberty to do their own Maths work. Jonaki panicked initially before she calmed down and started answering. The first to finish was Narayani. She went with a flourish and handed over the paper. The teacher noted her time and smiled. 

"Narayani, I read your results and I would have expected nothing less." 

Ashi and Vin finished almost at the same time. Each handing over the paper within the nano second of each other. Jonaki still continued. 

Ashi asked, "What is the time Teacher?" 

The teacher smiled, "I never mentioned time. This test is untimed, take as much time you need." 

Narayani stepped forward, "Sir can I then check my papers once, I did not revise. I thought time was a quadrant of measurement." 

Teacher Sunadareshan declined. It was another ten minutes before Jonaki submitted. The class all expected to be let off but Teacher Sundareshan had other plans. 

"I have taken permission from your next teacher of language, Mr. Sashwat to take his class in lieu of my Monday class. We will start with Narayani's paper. Spotlessly correct. Narayani, can you explain to me why you did this step. " 

Narayani looked at the step and repeated it on the board. 

"But why, how does the numbers reduce like this ? " The teacher insisted. 

"Sorry Sir, this is how I have been taught and it would always be correct." 

He nodded. 

Then he looked at the papers of Vin and Ashi. "As I would expect from both of you, you have followed my way. Logical, quick and accurate. Can you explain."

Both of them came up and could explain. 

"Okay then if I increase a quadrant , would you be able to apply the same formula. Both Vin and Ashi tried but the formula they applied would not work for three variables. 

"And this is not your mistake, I have not taught you the approach. " 

"Jonaki, you are the only one who did a mistake in a sum, though you took the longest time. But can you do this sum for me with three variables. " 

Jonaki knew she could do it. The formula she used worked for n number of variables. She walked to the board and completed it. 

"Good, explain this now to the class."

She removed the answer from the digital board, she had to learn it the hard way a day back when the history teacher had called her to the board but she wont forget it ever. 

She went on to explain the solution to all. 

Parul listened from her desk and it appeared she too understood it. Teacher Sundareshan observed her reaction with a smile. 

As Jonaki stopped, he said, "And this what is called a talent . Not a prodigy that Narayani is, not brilliant as Vin is, not hard working and spirited as Ashi is, but she has a talent. A talent of understanding the root of the problem. These are the students who would go on to study a subject like Maths and possibly teach is some reknowned University. " 

He looked at Jonaki and gave a nod of approval, "I am glad who ever thought to bring you to this school. You will excel. Not so much in marks possibly, but you will excel in life as you grow older and shred subjects not meant for you. Remember never leave Maths. " 

"Thanks All. That will be all for the class today. " 

He suddenly stopped on his way out and turned back, "Parul , you too should choose your subjects. You too would do well, when you shred the subject that hold you back." 

Parul stood up from her chair. The class turned to look at her, because the teacher hated her for being so poor in Maths and for being his daughter, or so they thought. 

Jonaki noted Parul felt over whelmed. So she walked up and gave a pat on her back. Parul gave a soft thanks and sat down. 

Ashi stood at the head of the class and asked, "What was that ? Who are you Jonaki that Sir had to insult us to prove you correct ? " 

Jonaki looked back to see the naked hatred on her face. "You will be taught the biggest lesson when the results are out and you do not get through to any colleges in few years, Talent indeed. Which idiot has taught you to do Maths in such a long way ? " 

Vin stopped on his track and looked back at Ashi, "Ashi, you need to hear what you are saying before I complaint against you. " 

But Jonaki stopped Vin. The students of this class were not kind but Ashi was insulting the man who left everything to raise her. "I was home schooled Ashi. My father taught me all these. I was enrolled to a local school but I barely went there. Even on his last day he explained Maths to me. If he was alive and I would be faster in solving them too. " \

"Again that sob story about a dead father. " 

Vin shouted, "Ashi.. can you zip it up." 

Jonaki shouted on top of Vin, "Vin this is my fight. You will keep quiet. And Ashi if your parents are that brilliant, let them teach you all the subjects and you home school and come back to be the first girl. I noted your schedule in the rrsidence. You are always taking supporting classes, assistance and paid at that to solve Maths. What tells you that you will stay brilliant when these stop ?" 

Ashi looked at her surprised. "You dare to speak to me like this. I will have you removed." 

" I am sure you can do that. Why not say that you will leave all your teachers and assistance and still stand first. You can not do that, can you? Like most other privileged and spoiled students of this class the only thing you can do is throw your power round at my face." 

She walked back picked up her bag and walked to the Library. This was anyways a free period for studies. 

Vin stood at the place hearing Jonaki's words.. Privileged and spoiled students.. Did she club him also into that bracket. She heard Ashi take out her phone and complaint. The rest of the class was also speaking about her words. He stood quietly in his place. Thats his girl coming to her power. He felt proud even as he wondered where he stood in her eyes post her joining this school.  

Archi sat without reaction, but she looked at Vin's face. She shook her head at his proud smile. Her friend is in love. She hated the guts of the new girl but she was unwilling to lose her remaining friendship with Vin. So she got up and told Vin, " Shall we take a walk to the common canteen. " Vin looked at her after almost one week and relaxed, "Yes sure, I wonder if Jonaki went there. "

Archi knew she would not go there as the common canteen food was paid but she nodded. As always Mihi followed. The twins Labh and Kush also jumped up and joined them.