Kumar realized that Preeti and Kalyani were walking behind him. He did not want them to know that he did not know where he was supposed to go and embarrass himself again in front of them. So, he kept walking and he heard the following conversation:
Preeti: (trying to act as if she did not care about Kumar, but keeping the voice loud enough to be audible to Kumar) - By the way, why did Navya not come to the movie. I told you that I was booking the tickets for 3 people yesterday itself, right?
Kalyani: What should I do? You were staying at your Aunt's place and so, Navya called me late night yesterday after we spoke that she was going to see her parents and I did not want to call you because I thought your uncle will be mad at you for taking calls so late in the night. She will be back tomorrow or Monday morning.
Preeti: Why did she not tell me this?
Kalyani: She said that she forgot to tell you about this and wanted me to inform you, but it looks like it was planned for a long time as she had booked her tickets and she took off on Thursday itself.
Kumar wanted to lose these girls, but they just did not stop "following him"! He decided to call Kishore.
Kumar: Kishore, I am here.
Kishore: Where?
Kumar: I don't know; I got down the auto like you said and started walking straight into the lane nearby. I see a temple nearby and some grocery stores.
Kishore: Ok, wait.. I think you are right near our house. Let me come out.
Kishore came out and started waving to Kumar. Kalyani saw Kishore and waved to him and ran ahead of Kumar.
Kalyani: Hi Kishore Anna, how are you?
Kishore: Hey Kalyani, I am fine. How are you?
Kalyani: Fine, fine. How was the wedding?
"Bagunnanu, Pelli ela jarigindi?"
Kishore: "It was hectic, but we had fun"
Kalyani: "What fun would anyone have in a Wedding!? You should have friends to have fun"
Meanwhile Kumar had walked up to Kishore & Kalyani, but Preeti was hesitating to go to them as she did not know Kishore.
Kishore: "Enough.. Enough.. if you start talking now, I cannot speak to my friend"
(Speaking to Kumar): "How are you?"
"Ela unnavu ra!?"
Kumar: "I am fine. How was the wedding?"
"Nenu Baagunnanu. Pelli ela jarigindi?"
Kishore: "The ceremony was superb"
"Chaala baaga jarigindi"
He showed Kalyani and introduced her to Kumar.
Kishore: "This is Kalyani. My neighbor - stays in the house opposite to ours. We have been neighbors since our childhood. In fact, I escorted her when we were in school. She is 4 years junior to us". (Turning to Kalyani).. "This is Kumar - my degree classmate"
"Ee ammayi Kalyani. Maa edurintlo untundi. Maa chinnappati nunchi ikkade untunnaru. Iddaram oke school ki velle vallamu and nene tanani school ki teesukuni velle vaadini. tanu manaki 4 years junior" (Turning to Kalyani).. "Itanu Kumar - naa degree classmate"
Kumar realized that though he knew both their names, they did not know his name until Kishore introduced. Kalyani was smiling and the smile was a little exaggerated, he thought.
Kalyani: (Calling Preeti) "Hey, come here! His name is Kumar. The first 3 letters match the name that we gave him!"
"Hey, itu ra! Itanu peru Kumar ata. Manam pettina peru lo first 3 letters kalisayi!"
Kishore was surprised that Kalyani knew Kumar and was thinking how Kumar would know Kalyani since Kumar was always in Hyderabad and Kalyani was always in Vizag. Kumar was wondering what these girls would have named him.
******************** To be continued ****************
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