The Destination - Part 10

**********PART 10 *************


Navya and Kalyani enter the room with a bottle of chilled water and Mr.Rao gets up to leave.

Mr.Rao: Preeti, I will leave now, but remember what I said and if you think you cannot talk to me openly, talk to your Aunt and we will take care of everything.

Preeti had tears in her eyes. She did not cry though. She quietly saw Mr.Rao leave. Kalyani & Navya were trying to pacify her.

Kalyani: You know that your uncle is harsh, it is not worth crying for what he said.

Preeti: Hey, I understand my uncle better than anyone else. He is a nice guy and listening to what he said, it makes complete sense to me, but what I do not understand is how did my Uncle meet him in the train.

Kalyani: What is there to understand? Your uncle came from Hyd to Vizag and we all know that he (thinking about Kumar) too came from Hyd to Vizag - maybe both of them were in the same train and he told about meeting you. The only thing to know is from when he is following us; I will go and talk to Kishore Anna about this.

Preeti continued while Navya was still listening.

Preeti: He is following from my college days. He proposed to me and I rejected. I thought he stopped following me, but after today I am sure he did not stop following me.

Kalyani: Why did you not tell this to me yesterday itself?

Preeti: How will I tell you yesterday when I saw him only today?

Kalyani & Navya were both trying to understand what Preeti meant.

Navya: I thought you all watched a movie together!

Preeti: No, that was with that guy Kumbhakarna, sorry Kumar - right?

Kalyani: So, who are you talking about now?

Preeti: I am talking about Mahesh, who proposed to me in college.

Kalyani and Navya understand that Preeti was not lying to her uncle and had been speaking the truth all this while. At this time, Kalyani also thought that Mr.Rao did not see Preeti & Kumar, but saw Preeti & Mahesh together and then she had questions that did not have any answers.

Kalyani: When did you meet Mahesh?

Preeti: I told you, that he is my college mate.

Kalyani: No, I mean, when did your uncle see you and Mahesh together?

Preeti: I do not know, may be today because he said he saw us in the 'bakery'.

Navya interferes

Navya: But it was Kumar at the bakery and not Mahesh, right?

Preeti: No, Mahesh had also come to the bakery today and I met him. I introduced Kumar to Mahesh too.

Kalyani: When did this happen?

Preeti: When you came home to collect the keys.

Navya: But we were there with you.

Preeti: Kishore and you had left for the tickets and that's when Mahesh had come.

Kalyani: Why did Mahesh come to your table even though he saw Kumar with you and that you had rejected his proposal in college itself?

Preeti: How should I know?

She thought for a while and replied...

Preeti: When Mahesh came to meet me, Kumar was not at the table, he went to pick our order up.

Kalyani: But you just said that you introduced them to each other.

Preeti: Yes, Kumar came back with the order and then I had introduced them.

Navya: I would have been confused what to introduce them to each other as...

Preeti: I told Kumar that Mahesh was my class mate.

Kalyani: That was easy.

Preeti: ... and I told Mahesh that Kumar was my boyfriend.

Navya & Kalyani both ask her why she had to tell that to Mahesh.

Preeti: For one, Mahesh had proposed to me and he should know that I am not single anymore so that he does not follow me again. Secondly, who better than Kumar; as he does not stay in Vizag and does not know anything about me!

Kalyani: I am clear from your side, but I am still unclear about whom your uncle saw.

Preeti: That's exactly my confusion, but I need to clarify things to my uncle and aunt as I do not want them to think that I am in love with someone.

Navya: What is wrong in loving someone? If you like Kumar tell your uncle.

Preeti: Kumar!? Hey, I do not know him at all forget about loving him. I know him only for 2 days and half the time he was sleeping.

Navya: Then, who do you like, Mahesh?

Preeti was silent now. Kalyani started probing.

Kalyani: Preeti, do you like Mahesh?

Preeti did not answer and both Kalyani and Navya started pushing for more details.

Preeti: Mahesh proposed to me when I was in college and I was not interested in love when I was in college. Also, at that time I was a complete burden on my aunt and uncle as my parents had passed away. I did not want to bother them with these issues. So, I rejected his proposal immediately although I knew his love for me was sincere and he was a very nice guy. Later I heard from someone that he is well settled now, but have not been in touch with him at all. I don't know how he came to the bakery today and suddenly showed up and caused all this confusion.

Navya: We should talk to your uncle and clarify all these details, but I think we should talk to Kumar too.

They have lunch and in the evening Kalyani & Preeti decide to go to the bus stop to drop Navya. Meanwhile Kumar and Kishore pack their luggage, Kishore informs at home that he would be going to Hyderabad with his friend and that he would be back in a couple of days. All of them go together to the bus stop and reach by 6.30pm for the bus at 7pm.

********* To be continued ********​

The Destination - Part 9

**********PART 9 *************


Seeing Kumar's surprised face, Navya feels sorry and just when she is about to say something - Kalyani's phone rings; She answers it and says that she needs to leave immediately as her parents were going out and wanted her to take the house key.

Navya says that she has to go out for 15 minutes and asks Preeti to accompany, but Kishore volunteers to take her and bring her back within 15 minutes so that they can all be together by the time Kalyani comes back. They leave together. Again, Preeti & Kumar are left alone.

Kumar: You think this is funny?

Preeti: What are you talking about?

Kumar: Why did you have to take that name and go around telling everyone you meet?

Preeti: It was not I who told her your name; I mean the name that Navya called you.

Kumar: Was it Kalyani then?

Preeti: I wouldn't know; although I do not think Kalyani told her too because I was with Navya all the time and Kalyani never told her anything about you.

Kumar believes her and keeps thinking about who would have revealed the name. He excuses himself to bring something to eat or drink for both of them and after he places the order, while waiting to be served he sees that a person comes around and greets Preeti. Kumar sees that Preeti felt a little awkward seeing him there. Kumar picks up the order, comes around to the table and Preeti introduces Kumar to the new guy as soon as he takes a seat...

Preeti: Kumar, meet Mahesh, he is my college mate. Mahesh, this is Kumar, my Boyfriend.

Kumar gapes at Preeti with open mouth, but looks at Mahesh before saying anything. He notices that Mahesh's face is blank. Mahesh & Kumar both try to act normal and Kumar wants to leave from that place. He does not understand why Preeti had to lie to a person about Kumar and Preeti's relationship (if at all there exists one). He completely forgets about Navya calling him "Kumbhakarna". He was also not sure how Preeti would manage to cover up the story. He was trying to think of a believable story to tell Mahesh how he and Preeti met, but before he could say anything; Mahesh said:

Mahesh: Okay, I got to go. I have some work to do and will leave you guys alone. I don't want to disturb you both.

Preeti has a fake smile on her face while Kumar tries to persuade him to sit with them. Finally Mahesh bids goodbye leaving Preeti & Kumar alone again for the third time. This time it was different for both of them. Kumar was uncomfortable sitting around with Preeti. Kumar and Preeti both try to talk about something else, but do not find a topic to converse. Kumar & Preeti quietly eat the snacks Kumar brought to the table and do not talk much.

Kalyani calls Preeti and asks her to come back as Kishore and Navya called her and asked her to come back to the house. Preeti and Kumar walk together without talking and reach home with Kalyani waiting outside.

Kalyani: Why are you guys so quiet?

"Endukila calm ga unnaru"?

Kumar and Preeti don't answer. They just look at Kalyani and say nothing. She asks again:

Kalyani: "Okay, where did Navya & Kishore Anna go?"

"Sare, Navya inka Kishore Anna ekkadaki vellaru?"

Kumar & Preeti still don't answer. Kalyani waits for a while and looks at Preeti, who ignores her. Kalyani looks at Kumar now and he tries to ignore her too, but she urges for an answer to which Kumar replies:

Kumar: "I don't know. Navya wanted to go somewhere and Kishore took her"

Kalyani: "Where did she have to go?"

Kumar: "I don't know, she is your friend. You should know. She had called you, you should have asked her"

Kalyani: "So what, Kishore Anna is your friend, did he not tell you where he was going?"

Silence followed for a little more time and Kalyani still looked at both of them and not talking to anyone. Kishore and Navya return and Kalyani asks them:

Kalyani: "Where did you both go?"

Kishore: "To buy tickets to Hyderabad."

Kalyani: "Why?"

Kishore: "Kumar wants to leave today as he has to be in office tomorrow. I have some work at Hyderabad so I thought I would accompany him."

Kalyani: "Why did you take Navya?"

Kishore: "I did not take her, she took me. I was there so I thought I will also buy tickets and we bought in the same bus for tonight."

Kalyani: (to Navya): "Where are you going?"

Navya: "I went to buy tickets to Hyderabad"

Kalyani: "Why are you going to Hyderabad?"

Navya: "I wanted to meet my parents - so, I am also going in the same bus tonight so that I have company."

Kalyani: "Why did you come back to Vizag if you wanted to go to Hyderabad; I am really confused."

By this time, Kumar almost forgot the questions he had in mind (how Navya knew the name Kumbhakarna and why Preeti introduced him as her boyfriend) to her college mate and just sat there listening to Kalyani & Navya's conversation. Kishore was listening intently too, but Preeti was a little off. She was thinking about something. The conversation continued:

Navya: "I wanted to meet my parents, but could not so I am going now, what's the confusion?"

Kalyani: (Sarcastically) "There is no confusion. All I understand is that you are going to Hyderabad to meet your parents whom you 'almost' met over the weekend and want to see them again, by taking off from work on weekdays and that you cannot wait for next weekend. Yes, it is all pretty clear."

Kumar & Kishore start smiling on hearing Kalyani's sarcasm. Kumar observes that Preeti was still lost in thoughts. Kishore interrupts:

Kishore: "Enough of this fight - let us all go. It is past 2pm. We need to have lunch now and pack for the evening. The bus leaves at 7pm."

They all agree. Kishore and Kumar go to their house. Kalyani goes to her house. Preeti & Navya take the stairs, but see that Mr.Rao (the same person who was in the train in Part 1 with Kumar) is sitting on the stairs waiting for them as the house is locked.

Navya greets him, opens the door and says that she would bring 'chilled water' from Kalyani's house and comes down. She goes into Kalyani's house who is all alone at home.

Kalyani: (angrily) "Yes, What do you want?"

"Emi kaavali?"

Navya: (smiling) "Why are you so angry?"

"Enduku antha kopam?"

Kalyani: "Why would I not be angry? You are not telling me the details. One day you say that you are going to Hyderabad and return the next day saying you went only half-way and now you say that you are going there again"

"Raada mari? Vishayam cheppakunda, Hyderabad veltunnanu antaavu, sagam dooramu nunchi vachesaanu antaavu, malli veltunnanu antaavu.."

Navya: "I will tell you all those details later, first give me chilled water. Preeti's uncle is here"

"Avanni taravata cheptaanu kaani, naaku oka bottle challa neellu ivvu. Preeti valla uncle vacharu"

Kalyani: "When did he come?"

"Aayana eppudu vacharu?"

Navya: "Don't know. He was waiting for us by the time we came. Give this to me soon"

"Emo. Memu vache time ki metlu meeda koorchunnaru. Tondaraga bottle ivvu."

Kalyani: "Wait, I will also come"

"Aagu, nenu vastanu."

Kalyani brings a bottle of chilled water and comes along with Navya. They both take the stairs quietly and hear the following conversation between Preeti and her uncle, Mr.Rao.

Mr.Rao: "Who is that guy?"

"Evaramma atanu?"

Preeti: "Who is it that you are asking about, uncle?

"Evaru Uncle?"

Mr.Rao: "The one who was at the Bakery."

"Bakery lo kalisade aa abbayi."

Preeti: "Kalyani, Navya & I went to the bakery. Kalyani's friends also came there"

"Kalyani, Navya, nenu vellamu uncle bakery ki. Kalyani friends kooda vacharu."

Mr.Rao: (soothingly) "Preeti, I saw you coming alone with a guy from the bakery. If you like someone, inform us now. We are searching for a suitable alliance for you, it is better that we do not create any problems.

"Choodamma, nenu ninnu maatrame oka abbayitho choosanu, Neeku evaranna ishtam unte cheppu. Neeku ippudu pelli sambandhalu choostunnamu; maaku ibbandulu teesukuravaddu."

Preeti: "Uncle, there is nothing of that sort. He was my classmate and had proposed to me when we were in college and then I had rejected. I was in the bakery with friends in the morning and he saw me and came up to meet me, that's it."

"Uncle, alaantidi emi ledu. Aa abbayi maa classmate, naaku memu college lo unnappdu propose chesadu. Nenu appudu 'No' cheppanu. Indaaka bakery lo nenu maa friends toh vellanu and tanu naaku by chance kalisadu anthe."

Mr.Rao: "But, I met him in the train and he told me that he was going to meet his girlfriend."

"Mari naaku train lo kalisinappudu girlfriend ni kalavadaaniki veltunnanu ani cheppadu!?"


Kalyani and Navya who were listening to all this from outside were not really sure why Preeti was saying that Kumar was her classmate.


Preeti was confused as she had told the truth. Preeti thought her uncle saw her with Mahesh as she did not realize the time she spent with Kumar alone. She thought she was always in a group when with Kumar. She was thinking how Mr.Rao met Mahesh in the train. Going to bakery was not something they had planned for; it was on-the-fly as Navya wanted to have some soft drinks and they left without even thinking about it. She was wondering how Mahesh would have known about them going to the bakery and how he could follow them there.

********* To be continued **************​

The Destination - Part 8

**********PART 8 *************


Navya did not bother to answer although she knew that both Preeti & Kalyani would ask this question. They had always wanted to taste the food that Navya prepared, but Navya always postponed or gave easier options to prepare a meal like frozen food, Maggi or get something to eat from parcel service or may be go out to eat.



Preeti & Kalyani jumped onto their next set of questions -

Kalyani: "When did you come?"

Preeti: "If we knew you were coming today, we could have planned to go to the movie in the evening"

Kalyani: "How did you come?"

Navya: Hold on. We will talk about all that in the evening. Now, let's have lunch. I prepared this with great difficulty - so let us have it while it is still hot. Kalyani, I already told your mom that you would have lunch with us today.

All of them have lunch together, laze around for some time while Kalyani goes home and is back to their room in the evening. All three strike a conversation while preparing dinner.

Kalyani: Navya, I thought you would come tomorrow or on Monday. How come you came so early - it is overnight journey for you to go to Hyderabad?

Navya: I went only half way - so could come back early.

Preeti: What do you mean, half way? Did your parents come half way?

Navya: Who told you that I went to meet my parents?

Kalyani interrupts.

Kalyani: You.

Navya: (smiling). Yeah, okay.



Kalyani is now very mad at Navya.

Kalyani: If you did not want to come to the movie with us, you should have told. Why all this drama?



Preeti gestures Kalyani to hold on.

Navya: Hey Preeti, it is not her fault - I told her that I was going to meet my parents and when I told her, I did not lie.

Preeti: So, did you meet your parents?

Navya: Almost.

Preeti: Does that mean they came half way, but did not meet you?

Navya: No.

Kalyani is furious. She gets down the stairs and goes straight to her house. Preeti and Navya finish cooking, have dinner and sleep.

Meanwhile Kumar meets everyone in the family, helps Kishore in some petty works in the house and in the evening both Kishore and Kumar have early dinner and go to the terrace to sleep as Kumar feels sleepy.

Kishore: How come you are feeling sleepy so early?

Kumar: I did not sleep properly on Thursday so I am a bit sleepy.

After he said that, he realizes that though he did not sleep properly on Thursday, he had (more than) made up for it as he slept for more than 12 hours in the train, slept for 2-3 hours in the theatre (though it was disturbed sleep). He smiles and thinks about Kalyani & Preeti who named him KUMbhakarna.

Kishore: Tell me now, how come you are in Visakhapatnam? I thought you said you wanted to come to the wedding.

Kumar: (Sheepishly and in a low tone): I overslept.

Kishore: What?

Kumar: Ya, I started for the wedding, but overslept in the train. I wonder why no one woke me up in Vijayawada. Someone should have booked the same berth from Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam.

Kishore: Funny, but that's okay. It is good that you are here. We are able to spend some time together.

Kumar: I will leave tomorrow.

Kishore: No way, stay for few more days.

Kumar: Nope, I will have to head back to work on Monday. Do you have plans to come to Hyderabad?

Kishore: Hey, you better sleep. We will talk about it tomorrow. I need to tell you something.

Kishore was now lost in thoughts... It is 10 in the morning on Sunday when Kishore wakes Kumar up.

Kishore: Kumar, get up. We have to go out.

Kumar: Good Morning Kishore. What time is it?

Kishore: 10am.

Kumar: Oops, looks like I overslept again.

Kishore: No that's fine. We do not have much work, get ready and we will have to go out.

Kumar: Okay.

Kumar gets up; gets ready and they go to a bakery cum eating joint nearby at around 11.30 in the morning. Kumar sees that Preeti, Kalyani & Navya were in the bakery too. Kumar sees Preeti there and smiles; Preeti smiles back. Kalyani sees Preeti smiling and notices that Kumar & Kishore walked in. Kalyani smiles at Kishore. Kishore and Kumar reach the table and Kishore asks:

Kishore: Can we join?

Kalyani: (thinking - she is the only one who knows both): Sure. Please join...

Kalyani starts introducing everyone.

Kalyani: Kishore Anna & Kumar you know Preeti. This is Navya. Preeti, you met Kishore and Kumar. Navya, this is Kishore Anna, our neighbour and this is his friend from Hyderabad - Ku....

Navya completes the name for her...

Navya: Kumbhakarna.

Kumar is surprised to hear this. Preeti & Kalyani think about when they had shared the name they gave to Kumar with Navya.

********* To be continued **************​

The Destination - Part 7

**********PART 7 ************************


Kumar: This is unfair. In my defense, I did not sleep the whole of Thursday night and so fell asleep.

Preeti: In our defense, all we know about you is you sleep a lot and you wake up to eat and drink.

Kumar: That's not true.

Preeti: Do you know that you slept in the second half too?

Kumar: (dejectedly): No, I did not.

Preeti: I thought so. Let Kalyani come out and you can ask her.

Kumar: She would say whatever you want her to say, but then why should I care. Okay, so I slept in the second half too. How does it matter?

Preeti: It doesn't matter to us; I should not have told you what we named you after all.

Then there was silence. Preeti looked away and Kumar was feeling awkward. He thought he would attend a wedding over the weekend and have some fun, but here he was fighting with a stranger. Kishore came back and Kalyani was still inside.

Kishore: (to both Preeti & Kumar): Come on in.

Preeti: No, thank you. I will go to my house now. I am tired and need to take some rest.



Kumar did not say anything and Kishore did not force Preeti to come in. Preeti left and Kishore and Kumar get into the house. Kumar notices that Kalyani is speaking to the new bride (Kishore's sister-in-law) as if she knew her for ages. Kumar & Kishore look at each other and smile. They join the conversation with Kalyani who does not seem tired of speaking at all. Kalyani notices that Preeti is not with them and asks about her and Kishore answers that she left. Hearing this she leaves hurriedly and tries to catch up with Preeti. Preeti is about to get onto the stairs to go upstairs to her portion above Kalyani's home when Kalyani stops her with her conversation:

Kalyani: Hey Preeti, Why did you not come inside?

"Hey Preeti, lopaliki enduku raaledu?"

Preeti: " What should I do there? I do not know anyone"

"Nenu vachi emi cheyyali? Naaku akkada evaru teleedu."

Kalyani: "You will know people if you come and meet them"

"Vaste valle telustaaru"

Kalyani sees that Preeti is not interested. So, she changes the subject.

Kalyani: What will you do in your room alone? Come to our house and you can have lunch.

"Paiki velli emi chestavu? Maa intiki vachi lunch cheyyochu kada."

Preeti: No, I am tired. I will make Maggi or something simple.

"Ledu nenu alisipoyanu. Maggi edanna chesukuni tinestaanu"

Kalyani: Okay, let me come with you.

Preeti and Kalyani both go together to Preeti's room and see that Navya is all in a very good mood. Singing and has almost finished cooking. Preeti & Kalyani are both surprised to see Navya in the room given that she had left for her hometown. Among all the questions they had on her travel and how she ended up in the town, both Preeti and Kalyani ask Navya one question:

"How is it that you cooked today!?"

******************** To be continued ***************​

The Destination - Part 6

**********PART 6 ************************




Kalyani: (talking to Kishore): "Kishore Anna, this is Preeti. She was my classmate, but you would not know her because she joined our school after you finished yours. She now stays in the first floor of our house with another room-mate of hers, Navya. You don't know her too as they both started staying here only for a year now after you left for US"

"Kishore Anna, Ee ammayi - Preeti. School lo naa classmate kaani neeku teleedu endukante nuvvu school vadilesaka eeme school join ayyindi. Ippudu maa inti paina inko ammayi, Navya, toh kalisi untondi. Navya kooda neeku teleedu le, last 1 year nunchi iddaru ikkada untunnaru - nuvvu antaku mundare US velli poyavu kada"



Kishore and Preeti exchanged pleasantries. Kishore asked Kalyani to come in and meet his sister-in-law and make her comfortable as she was new to the city and the house. Kishore & Kalyani go into the house leaving Kumar and Preeti outside with both of them avoiding eye contact with each other. Kumar, yet again, wanted to start the conversation, but did not know where to start. He thought of asking about how she liked the movie, but did not want to start the topic of him sleeping in the theatre; he did not even want to talk about the auto fares and so said...



Kumar: (Not realizing that this was a conversation that he had overheard)

"Does your uncle stay near the Railway Station?"

"Railway Station deggara mee Uncle vallu untaara?"



Preeti: From when are you following us?

"Mammalni eppati nunchi follow chestunnaru"



Kumar: What?



Preeti: Ok, how did you know our names?

"Sare, maa perlu ela telusu meeku"



Kumar: Oh that, it was very easy. When you were waiting at the bus stop and Kalyani called you, you had answered the phone with your name and you took her name multiple times on the call.

"Oh ada, chaala easy. Meeru bus stop lo wait chestunappudu Kalyani call chesindi - meeru phone answer chesi nappudu mee peru chepparu and Kalyani toh maatladinappudu chaala sarlu tana peru teesukunnaru"



Preeti: So what? Why were you eavesdropping?

"ayite maatram, ala chevulu vesukuni vinestaara, andaru emi maatladutunnaro"



Kumar: (almost shouting at Preeti) I was not, you were speaking so loud that anybody standing 5 miles away could listen to what you said. I could not avoid. Even now, when we were walking you were shouting and I could hear"

"nenu emi mee maatalu vinadaaniki try cheyyaledu. meere try cheyyakarlekunda, 5 maillu dooramu unna vallaki kooda vinapadettu gattiga chepparu. Indaaka kooda manam nadustunnapudu meeru gattiga maatladaaru and naaku vinipinchindi"



Preeti fell silent.



Kumar: (soothingly) Sorry for shouting. I did not mean to hurt you. Okay, topic change.. I will tell you something about I thought about you and you tell me something that you thought about me.

"Sorry, arichinanduku. Mimmalni hurt cheyyali ani kaadu. Okay, nenu mee gurinchi anukunnadi okati cheptaanu and meeru naa gurinchi anukunnadi cheppandi"



Preeti did not respond.



Kumar: "Looking at you I thought you were soft so I offered you Maaza, but since you snatched Coke from my hand, I understood that you were not what I thought"

"Meeru chaala soft ga kanipiste meeru Maaza ne taagutaaru anukunnanu, but Coke laakkunte meeru nenu anukunnatu kaadu ani telisindi"



Preeti: "What do you mean?"

"ante?"



Kumar: I mean.. No.. No, I don't mean it in a derogatory way.. actually, I like aerated drinks.. that's good.

" ante.. aha.. adi kaadu.. adi tappu ga ana ledu.. actually, naaku kooda coke istham.. adi manchide"



Preeti did not respond again. Kumar was desperately trying to correct the impression that Preeti had on him. Kumar started again..



Kumar: "Okay, now it is your turn. What did You and Kalyani name me, of which the first 3 letters matched with my actual name?"

"Sare, ippudu mee turn; Kalyani inka meeru kalisi naaku emi peru pettaru? andulo naa nijam peru lo first 3 letters kooda kalisayi annaru?"



Preeti started smiling now and seeing this Kumar started pleading her more to reveal the name and she said...



Preeti: "KUMbhakarna"



******* To be continued *****************​

The Destination - Part 5

**********PART 5 ************

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 ****************​

The Destination - Part 4

**********PART 4*************************




Kalyani was the first one to react.



Kalyani: "Hey you have to give us Rs.20. Preeti had told you before"

"Hey, nuvve maaku Rs.20 ivvali. Indaaka Preeti cheppindi kada."



Preeti pinched Kalyani to show that she had unnecessarily revealed her name and Kumar had noticed this. Kalyani was in no mood to hear, she was seriously looking at Kumar for an answer.



Kumar: "Kalyani, I was to give Rs.20 after adjusting Auto fare with movie ticket, but for the pop-corn you had taken as soon as I offered and the soft drinks you had snatched even before I asked, if you adjust the amount, you owe me Rs.30."

"Choodu Kalyani! Indaaka nenu Rs.20 ivaali anedi ok. Auto rate, cinema ticket price adjust chesukunte saripotundi, but nenu ichina ventane pop-corn teesukunnaru kada and ivva kundaane soft drinks lakkunnaru kada vaatiki dabbulu adjust chesukunte meere naaku Rs.30 ivvali."



Preeti was surprised that Kumar knew Kalyani's name too and was doubting whether he knew Preeti's name even before they both met.



Kalyani: "So what, you bought those yourself, did we ask for them? Preeti only took soft drink, why should we pay for popcorn that you wasted"

"Ayite emaindi? Nuvve techavu memu adigama? Preeti only cool drink teesukundi, nuvvu kinda padesina pop-corn ki enduku ivvali"



Kumar: "I have not counted for the ones that fell down"

"Nenu kinda padinavi count cheyyaledu"



Preeti took out 100 rupee note and showed it to Kumar.



Kumar: "I do not have change. It is only Rs.30, that's fine, keep it with you"

"Naa deggara change ledu. 30 rupees ye kada. Unchukondi."



Almost immediately, Preeti held Kalyani's hand and almost dragged her away from Kumar. He was about to say something, but Kumar's phone rang. Kumar answered and it was Kishore who had called. He mentioned that they had reached Vizag and was at home now. Kumar inquired about how to reach Kishore's place and Kishore suggested him to take a 'Share Auto' from the theatre, gave him more details about where to get down with directions to his house and asked him to call once he reached there.



Outside the theatre an auto driver was shouting the name 'Gopalapatnam' and Kumar waved to him. The Auto driver started the auto and gestured Kumar to get in. Kumar came from behind the auto and got in and turned to see that Preeti and Kalyani were in the auto!



None of them said a word. They travelled in utter silence till they reached the spot. Preeti gave Rs.100 to the auto driver and Kumar got down and asked him what the fare was. The auto driver said Rs.30 and Kumar looked at Kalyani and Preeti, then took his bag and left the place saying



Kumar: "They'll pay for me"

"Vallu istaaru teesuko."



Auto Driver: "Sir!"



Kumar had already started walking.



Auto Driver: (To Preeti and Kalyani): "Madam!"

Preeti: "yes, yes, we will pay"

"yes, yes, istaamu le"



The Auto Driver was confused, but happy that he would get his money and he returned the change to Preeti. Preeti and Kalyani noticed that Kumar was ahead of them and was on phone. Preeti was angry and Kalyani was smiling. Preeti was still thinking whether Kumar was following them, but was in doubt because he was ahead of them.



******************** To be continued ****************​

The Destination - Part 3

**********PART 3***************************


Kumar went into the theatre and tried to find the place to sit. Preeti was sitting in the aisle seat with Kalyani beside her. So, he had to sit beside Kalyani. The movie started, but Kumar was not interested in it. As soon as the titles started he dozed off. Kalyani saw this and whispered something into Preeti's ears. Kumar woke up hearing some giggles, understood that the girls were laughing at him, but did not bother to get up. He closed his eyes and slept peacefully. Kalyani was about to hit him and wake him up, but Preeti stopped her from doing so.

Kumar woke up in the Interval and started looking around unable to understand where he was. Looking at his pale face and confused look Kalyani started laughing out loud. Preeti hushed her, but Kalyani was not to listen. Kumar was embarrassed, but got up with a wry smile on his face and went outside. He tried to call Kishore, but his cell was still unreachable. He went to the stall at the theatre and took 3 popcorns and 3 soft drinks (1 coke, 1 Maaza and 1 Thums Up). He preferred either Coke/ 'Thums Up' and thought that girls preferred 'Maaza' kind of stuff (which are not aerated), but Kalyani was tom-boyish and would prefer aerated drinks, he thought.

He went back to his seat and offered the snacks to the girls. Kalyani immediately took pop-corn and 'Thums Up'. Kumar smiled to himself and thought that he was right in deciding the drinks. He offered popcorn and the soft drink to Preeti and she looked at Kalyani, who had already started eating her pop-corn and gulped half the 'Thums Up'. Preeti, reluctantly, stretched her hand towards 'Coke' when Kumar handed her the 'Maaza' bottle.

Preeti stared angrily at him and almost snatched the 'Coke' bottle from him. Unable to revolt, Kumar handed the 'Coke' bottle and offered pop-corn to her and Preeti ignored him. Kalyani pointed that Preeti does not like popcorn. Kumar wanted to go back to his seat and asked Preeti for a little place to move to which Preeti obliged. Moving on looking at Preeti to say 'Thank You' he did not notice that Kalyani stuck her leg out hindering Kumar's path. He stumbled, almost fell, but balanced himself just in time; in the process, both the popcorn cones were on the floor with popcorn lying around wasted and the 'Maaza' bottle was half-empty with the remaining on the floor with a little on his Jeans and shirt too.



He sat in his chair and looked at Kalyani who was laughing and showing all her teeth. He glanced at Preeti and she was trying to hide her smile. Embarrassed in front of the girls, he sat in the movie trying to understand what was going on. He could not understand what was happening in the movie as he had slept in the first half and was sipping the drink he did not prefer. He was frustrated that he was watching a movie with 2 unknown girls who were making fun of him in a totally new city.

When credits rolled on the screen, Preeti and Kalyani got up and started to leave. He sat back relaxed for everyone to leave and by the time he reached outside Preeti and Kalyani were waiting for him. He walked straight to them. Kalyani had a cunning smile and pushed Preeti with her shoulder hinting something, which Kumar thought they might have discussed when he was not with them. Preeti held her hand out and in front of Kumar and said "Twenty Rupees". Kumar looked at Kalyani who was still smiling. Kumar put his right hand in the pocket and brought out closed fist and placed it beside Preeti's hand. Kalyani tried to open it, but Kumar slapped her hand with his left one. Seeing this Preeti withdrew her hand. Kumar slowly opened his fist and Preeti and Kalyani saw him with surprise when he laid the empty hand forward and demanded….

"Thirty Rupees!"

******************** To be continued ****************​

The Destination - Part 2

***** PART 2**************

Kumar was on the top berth and opened his eyes, he thought he had slept for a long time, but still was able to see the sunlight. He thought, being summer, it could be that the days are long. His watch was showing 7:30. Wow, he thought 7.30 and still it is not dark. He rolled over and looked down. He saw that his bay was empty. He noticed that almost everyone got down from the train. He immediately got down from his berth, grabbed his shoes and bag and came onto the platform. The time on the platform clock was 7:33 and he looked around for the name of the station and when he saw the board "VISAKHAPATNAM". He did not know how to react. He wanted to shout at somebody and argue about why he was not woken up at Vijayawada, but he had no company. He realized that he was very tired the previous day and overslept.

He had missed the wedding and now was in a place unknown to him. He took some time to think and then called Kishore.

Kishore: "Hey Kumar, vastannannavu? Office lo busy aa?" ("Hey Kumar, you said that you would come, are you busy in office")

Kumar : "Ledu babu, nenu station lo unnanu" ("No boss, I am at the station")

Kishore: "Oh, kaani memu inka ikkada undamu. Maa ooru ki ippude bayalderatamu. Nuvvu ippudu vachi waste" ("Oh, but we are not staying here, we are about to start back to our town. It would be a waste for you to come here now.")

Kumar: "Hmm.."

Kishore: "Oka pani cheddam. Nenu Vizag nunchi Hyderabad vachaka neeku call chestanu, appudu kaluddam. Ok na?'" ("Let's do one thing. I will call you when I come to Hyderabad from Vizag, we will meet then. Is that ok?")

He smiled and realized two facts – that he smiled after a long time and that Vizag was his friend Kishore’s hometown.

Kumar: "Adi emi kudaradu. Nenu ninnu kalisi teerataanu. Nuvvu oka pani cheyyi, nuvvu Vizag vachina ventane naaku call cheyyi" ("That won't do. I have to meet you. You do one thing, you call me as soon as you come to Vizag.")

Kishore: "'Vachina' Ventane na? Nuvvu Vizag lo unnava?" ("As soon as I 'come'? Are you in Vizag")

Kumar: (Smiling) "Yes, kaani details adagaku ippudu. Taravata cheptanu. Nuvvu Vizag vachaka naaku call cheyyi, ok?" ("Yes, but don't ask me details now. I will tell you later. Call me as soon as you come to Vizag, ok?")

Kishore: "ok, take care. bye"

Kumar: "Bye"

Now, Kumar was relieved. He was ok to spend time for some 6 hours and then meet Kishore. He could spend the weekend here and get back to office by Monday. His purpose would be served. He was now thinking how to spend time; he went to the retiring rooms, brushed his teeth, bathed and got fresh. He had his breakfast and was coming out of the railway station when it struck him that he did not know where to go. He tried calling Kishore, but his cell was out-of-coverage-area. He cursed his luck and came out of the station without getting caught by the ticket collectors when the autowallahs came to him.

"Ekkadiki vellali sir?" ("Where do you have to go sir?")

He smiled to himself and thought "Ade teliste..." ("Had I known that..") and shook his head and left the place. He walked towards the bus stop and waited there not knowing which bus to take. He still had not decided what to do. He saw a girl talking on phone at the bus stop. The girl was talking on phone about meeting at the theatre to watch a new movie for which they had taken 3 tickets, but one of their friends could not come. He came to know that her name was 'Preeti' and was meeting 'Kalyani'. She said that she would sell the ticket to someone at the theatre and that she would reach in sharp 30 minutes. Hearing this, Kumar thought this is better thing to do, he would go to the theatre and watch the movie to spend some time.

Preeti called an auto and was bargaining. Kumar went to her:



Kumar: "Excuse Me"

Preeti: (looking suspiciously) "Yes"

Kumar: "Nenu kooda aa theatre ke vellali. So, iddaramu share chesukundaama?" ("I have to go to the same theatre. So, shall we share?")

Preeti: (hurriedly) "Okay. Get in"

Kumar: "Thank you". (Turning to the auto driver) "Pada babu" "Let's go)

For about 5 minutes they did not speak to each other and Kumar again started:

Kumar: "Excuse Me. Mee deggara extra ticket undi annaru kada. Adi naaku istaara?" ("Excuse Me. You said you had an extra ticket. Will you give that to me?")

Preeti: (still suspicious) "Meeku ela telusu naa deggara extra ticket undi ani" ("How do you know I have an extra ticket?")

Kumar: "Meeru indaaka phone lo maatladutunte vinnanu" ("I heard when you were talking over phone")

Preeti: "Asalu meeru ye cinema ki vellali?" ("What movie do you want to watch?")

Kumar: (with a blank face) "Edaina paravaledu" ("Any movie is okay")

The auto driver was listening to this conversation and was not able to understand Kumar's stand point. The songs in the auto were playing loudly and Kumar asked the driver to reduce the volume.

Preeti: "Alaaga! Ippudu ye theatre ki veltunnamu manamu, adi ayina telusa?" ("I see! Do you even know what theatre we are going to?")

Kumar: (innocently) "Nenu ee ooriki kotha. Naaku teleedu andi" ("I am new to this town. I do not know")

Preeti: "Asalu ye cinemaki veltunnaro, ye theatre ki veltunnaro teleekunda ela ekkestaaru ila auto?" ("How did you get into the auto when you do not know where you have to go?")

Auto driver stopped the auto as they had reached the theatre and both of them got down. Preeti gave a hundred rupee note and the auto driver said that he did not have change. Preeti looked at Kumar and he immediately took change out from his wallet and gave Rs.65 to the auto driver. Kalyani saw both of them getting out of the auto and came to them.

Kalyani: "Hi Preeti! Evaru itanu? Ticket ammadam enduku ani evarinaina teesukochava?" ("Hi Preeti! Who is this? Did you bring him so as to avoid selling the ticket?")

Preeti: "Daadapu ante anuko, Kalyani." ("Yeah, almost like that, Kalyani")

Kumar took out a hundred rupee note and handed it over to Preeti who looked at him sternly as if to say that he knows that she did not have change and that was the reason he had paid for the auto. She did not take the money, instead handed him the movie ticket, held Kalyani's hand and turned around swiftly saying "You owe me Rs.20" and left.

Kumar stood there not understanding the calculations.

******************** To be continued ****************​

The Destination - Part 1

The Destination - Part 1


Disclaimer: All characters and incidents in this narration are imaginary. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

*****************Part 1*********************

Kumar reached to his cell and checked the time. It was 5.10pm on Friday evening; he had to reach the railway station as the train would leave for its destination in 15 minutes. He was planning to attend his friend Kishore's brother's wedding that was at 1am the next day at Vijayawada. Kishore stayed in US and had come to India to attend his brother's wedding. He did not stop over at Hyderabad and so could not meet Kumar there.

Kumar planned to take this train, booked the ticket, but he had to be awake the whole night before to ensure that all his responsibilities at work were taken care of before he started. He did not want to be disturbed this weekend as he wanted to spend time in peace. It was a long time since he had taken some time off from work; he, being a bachelor, was okay to be at work even on weekends, but nowadays he was feeling lonely and wanted a break from routine.

The auto meter was showing Rs.86 and he was still some distance away from station and was stuck in traffic. He did not want to miss the train and think of alternatives to travel to Vijayawada; or worse cancel the travel and be at Hyderabad and come back to office this weekend too! He immediately got down from the auto, gave a hundred rupee note to the driver; who looked surprised and before the auto driver could say anything, Kumar said, "Keep the change!" and started to run towards the station.

He barely got into the train and it started moving. He thought he was lucky and moved to his reserved berth. He had booked an Upper Berth so that he could sleep during the journey. He saw that somebody was already sitting in his seat and he asked in Telugu

Kumar: "Ye seat meedi?" ("What's your seat number?")

Other Passenger: "Meedi Ye seat?" ("What's yours?")

Kumar: "Seat 19. Ide." ("Seat 19. This is the one.")

The other passenger immediately got up and Kumar had the seat. He was tired of running and deprived of sleep and waited for the ticket examiner to check the ticket so that he could go and sleep without disturbance. Meanwhile, a person came in and asked Kumar to adjust in the seat. He was not sure whether he had the ticket for journey and looked at him suspiciously. He said that he was a daily commuter and would get down at Kazipet. Reluctantly, he moved and adjusted in his seat showing frustuation on his face and making the daily commuter understand that he was not happy. He thought he would complain to the ticket examiner about the daily commuters and the inconvenience caused to the passengers who reserved tickets. Almost immediately he pacified himself as he was going to be in his seat only till the ticket examiner comes. After 5 minutes, a neatly dressed person aged about 50, who had a bag with his name 'A.K.Rao' stuck to it, came to his seat and asked Kumar to move. Kumar took him to be a daily commuter too.

A.K.Rao: "Babu, koncham jarugu." ("Boy, please move a little")

Kumar (arrogantly pointing to the vacant seat opposite to him): "Akkada koorchondi" ("Sit there")

Kumar had not finished observing him, he was still looking at his glasses and thought Mr.Rao would not be able to read without his glasses. When Mr.Rao turned towards him, Kumar avoided eye-contact and pretended to wait for the ticket examiner. Mr.Rao sat in the opposite seat and continued..

Mr.Rao: "Ekkada daaka veltunnavu babu?" ("Boy, till where are you going?")

Kumar thought, he need not give details to this stranger, but had to answer otherwise he would be termed impolite (though, till now, his tone or actions were no where near politeness!). He replied..

Kumar: "Visakhapatnam"

Mr.Rao: "I See. Visakhapatnam lo ekkada untaaru?" ("I see. Where do you stay in Visakhapatnam?")

Kumar did not know Visakhapatnam well. Only places he knew were the ones that were shown in movies and songs. Luckily for him, he remembered a movie song and replied..

Kumar: "Gajuwaka"

Mr.Rao: "Ok. Gajuwaka ante Duvvada lo digutaava, Visakhapatnam lo digutaava?" ("Ok. Will you get down at Duvvada station or Visakhapatnam station?")

Kumar: "Visakhapatnam lo ne digutaanu." ("I will get down at Visakhapatnam station only.")

Mr.Rao: "Duvvada lo digachu kada. Akkada nunchi auto lu dorkutaayi. Nuvvu Visakhapatnam ki velle lopala intiki velli povachu." (Why don't you get down at Duvvada station. You can get autos there and by the time you reach Visakhapatnam station in this train, you can as well reach home")

Kumar: "Nannu receive chesukovadaaniki Station ki maa friend vastunnadu." ("My friend is coming to station to pick me")

Mr.Rao: "Alaaga... Sare intaki Vizag enduku veltunnavu?" ("Ok, why are you going to Vizag?")

Kumar was getting impatient because Mr.Rao was passing suggestions on how to travel in a place he is never going to be. He was cooking up information and this person, even though Kumar was not answering properly, was keen on knowing Kumar's past, present and future, he thought.

Kumar: "Naa Girlfriend ni kalava daaniki veltunnanu" ("I am going to meet my girlfriend")

Kumar himself was shocked at this answer. He did not know where that came from because as far as he knew he never had a girlfriend. He had many friends who were girls, but he never had girlfriends, per se.

Luckily for Kumar, the ticket examiner was at his place. Kumar showed his ticket and went straight to his berth and slept; not giving chance to Mr.Rao to ask more questions.

~ R-Square

The Stranger's Kiss

The Stranger's Kiss

They were travelling by the train and they were not together. He was in his seat and she just settled in her seat. He was looking at her; No, he was watching her intently; No, he was actually staring at her!

She did not notice him as she caught the train in a hurry. She thought she would miss the train. Though it was a short distance she wanted to take the train. She always took the train as the only other option available was bus, and she hated journey by bus. The buses were always crowded and she would never get a seat. Trains were far better, the journey would be comfortable and she would be home early too. On top of that, she could avoid the traffic, which was taking a toll on her already tedious work life these days. She preferred to take a nap always and was happy that she got a seat. She closed her eyes and relaxed her breath by trying to bring back the rhythm that was lost because of the short sprint she made to the train. She was successful in two ways: she caught the train and she had a seat. She was all set for her journey. She closed her eyes not knowing that he was staring at her.

Not sure whether he thought she was beautiful, but he was impressed by her and wanted her attention. He was looking at her and she did not even know that he was here. He was disappointed and probably was angry that the person he wanted to impress does not even think he was worth looking at! In all these thoughts, he unknowingly took out a faint weird sound that woke her up. Not that she was sleeping, but she was at least trying to. She looked around to identify the source of the weird sound and noticed that he was staring at her. At first, she was uncomfortable, but in a matter of seconds she ignored him and closed her eyes again.

She could not sleep. She was thinking whether he was still looking at her. She opened her eyes and he was still staring at her. Only this time he was smiling and he had a little pride in his smile. After all, he had grabbed her attention! He continued the faint weird sound with his mouth wide open. She could not control and smiled back to him. She thought the sound was funny, not weird. Perceptions - those are the things that make this world most happening.

Half the battle won, he continued staring at her with his mouth wide open. Drops of saliva dripped from his mouth and that was not unnoticed by her. She wondered whether he was urging for a kiss!

Angry that there was no response from her, he started to go towards her, but was stopped by the two people travelling with him. His co-travelers were afraid of the consequences if he went to her. This is not the first time they are facing such situation. Similar things have happened before and they were embarrassed before. They knew exactly when to stop him and how to stop him. Most of the times he would listen to them, but sometimes he just wouldn’t.

Few minutes later, the train stopped at a station. It was time for her to get down. She got up from her seat, adjusted her dress and went straight to him – kissed him on his cheek. It was not a peck; it was a good kiss! Without saying another word she immediately got down.

He was overjoyed that he won and shouted at the top of his voice. Everyone around was looking at him and his co-travelers were yet again embarrassed by the behavior of their 9-month old son who was just kissed by a 50-year old co-passenger, a complete stranger, in a train!

~ R-Square

The First Step

The First Step

The “kid” saw daylight for the first time after getting its life. It took its own time to understand the colony – It had seen other babies grow along and was good at communicating with others and playing with others. It was its mother’s pet – and was not let out work whereas others started working long ago. The father was worried that their kid would be incapable and would be mocked in the colony.

Both the parents had long debates on when the kid could start going to work. After all, the father had seen others boast about their kids; how hard they work and how much they could save because of their kid(s) and here he was sitting dumb and unable to respond - all because the kid’s mother would not let it go out. What could she be afraid of, when others of the same age are able to do it!?

Finally, the day arrived - after the uncountable debates with the mother and that summer had come in and would be gone soon. This is the right time to start working – if this is not the time, then the kid would probably be mocked for the rest of its life and there would not be a way to allow the kid to live its life with respect.

A day of pride for the father who could boast about the kid when talking to the friends; a day of worry for the mother with the thought about how it would fare in this mean and miserable world where nobody cared for others’ well-being. The kid himself was happy, shaky, excited, tense and with a mixture of many other feelings that he could barely control. He went to work with all the knowledge he could gain from his parents and by the end of the day he was sure that everyone who came along was happy with the performance. He was bubbly, provided fresh ideas and fared really well and he was already being compared to his parents for what the kid could achieve in its life. All this on the first day – the day the kid took its first step.

While returning back – the kid could see the mother waiting for the team to get back home before dark. They were returning in a line and the kid was last in line. They were very near the hole when it started raining ‘sugar’. Yes! It was raining sugar! There was no line now – everyone was happy and now started breaking the line especially the newbies. The kid was looking at its mother and wanted to avoid the sugar rain and take shelter and thud..! A flat block fell on the kid’s head and it could not get up anymore and lay dead.

Almost immediately the room erupted with applause - the baby had taken its first step! Everybody was so happy in the room and started kissing the baby and appreciating that it had learnt to walk so soon.

Needless to say, no one in the room saw the kid (ant) die under the (human) baby’s foot.

~ R-Square

I LOVE MYSELF

I LOVE MYSELF
I sing very bad
I don't like to be sad

I am gullible
I bring a lot of trouble

I make many a mistake
I always think, I don't have anything at stake

I am shabby
I see movies even though they are crappy

I don't workout
I may, one day, become stout

I am sometimes very moody
I seldom say sorry

I am not sentimental
I think I am practical

I do not know how to start or continue a conversation
I do not make a good first impression

I am not rich (at words or otherwise)
I am not stylish

I make people feel I don't have a life
I talk like I am cutting through with a knife

I sometimes get cross for no reason
I believe, to lie, there's no season

I don't like being secretive
I don't like speeches that are elaborative

I nag a lot - I shout a lot
I talk a lot - I sleep a lot

I don't listen to others - I don't listen to myself
YET, I LOVE MYSELF!!!!!

‘Worry’

‘Worry’

He was worried that day. He had a son and a daughter. Both were married and had kids. His was a happy family. Whenever, he was not in high spirits, he used to think about his grandchildren and that used to light up his face, but not that day! He was far more worried. This worry was not the one that’s usual – at least not the one that vanishes with a mere ‘feel-good-thought’ like the thought of his grandson picking his moustache or his granddaughter calling him by his name (even though she doesn’t know to make a complete sentence yet) or his 50-year old wife wearing Jeans for the first time just because their granddaughter once picked up a jeans and showed it to her grandma – they all thought she wanted to see her grandma in jeans.

Today, he was worried about the girl. Why did she not come today? He waited for 15 minutes at the stop for her. For the past 3 years he was used to seeing her everyday – at least everyday he worked and she had college. He made sure he knew the holidays for the girl’s college and tried to match them with his (a privilege not given to his children/ grandchildren). It did not work when there was a vacation at college though. He did not change the shift timings just for her. He worked the same shift for the past 3 years. It started on that one day where he had to change his shift to substitute for a person who retired the day before. He felt all alone at home as his daughter had just been married and left town (Now, she is back in town though). He was attached to his daughter, but he always imagined this girl also to be his own daughter. He would wait for the girl whenever she was late. He used to wait for that smile on her face. He used to start his duty everyday with that smile followed by a pleasant ‘Good Morning’ and end the day with her smile followed by a ‘Good Night’!

Before this day - the day his shift was changed; the day she asked the bus to stop by waving her hand for the first time - he was a worried man. He used to scold and swear on people who used to drive irregularly. Something he stopped doing just because he did not want her to feel embarrassed. On the first day, she had waved her hand to stop the bus, he was preoccupied thinking about his daughter and suddenly a pedestrian crossed the road; he ‘had to’ stop the bus; she got in and smiled thankfully and that smile changed him completely. He would have stopped the bus, scolded the pedestrian through the window and then would have driven the rest of the trip with an attitude and feeling that is superior to everyone had that been any other day. Not on that day; he fell in love with that smile. He smiled back to the girl and he did not stop to fight with the pedestrian neither did he scold him through the window. In fact, he had thanked him many times through these years. This girl made him forget his daughter’s departure from his house and he had given this girl the same place as his daughter, in his heart, over a period of time. She used to sit in the seat right behind him for the whole trip and used to converse with him anything and everything in the world. He knew everything about her college and she knew everything about his family. She had, in fact, suggested the name for his granddaughter, which he liked; his daughter and his son-in-law loved.

But again today, she was not in the bus. If she was not coming the next day, she would have informed him. What had happened to her?

He had a bad day. After 3 years, he shouted at people on the way and swore at them. As soon as he left the bus at the depot, he went to the place where the girl takes the bus daily. She had told him once that she stayed in the ‘fourth house to the left’ in the lane. He sometimes used to see her walk safely to the house (when there were no other passengers in the bus to avoid them getting late). So, he knew the house. He did not worry about what her parents would think that a stranger has come to visit their daughter. He knew that her parents know him as ‘Driver Uncle’, but they did not know him by face or by name.

He rang the bell. She opened the door. He was happy to see the girl stand in front of him with the same smile. She was pleasantly surprised on seeing him and immediately apologized for not showing up that morning. She explained that her mom was not feeling well by the time she came home the day before. And she was awake the whole night. She thought of coming to the bus stop and informing him, but she had slept in the chair while thinking.

After some small talk and a hot tea with her parents, he walked back to his house thinking about what his daughter and granddaughter would be doing at that time.

~R-Square

‘The First Adventure’

‘The First Adventure’

"Let them go. I can easily catch-up with them. It will only take 2 minutes to reach them anyway. My Mom and Dad are not even looking for me now. I'll join them before they find that I was missing in the first place."

"But Wait, there's a man there. He is holding a stick too! Is it worth it to take risk? If I get caught, then it'll be real difficult for me to get out from there.
Can I sneak in and out without getting caught?
That's a possibility!
Is he facing this way or that?
I can't really tell from this far."

"Let me look for other problems.. there doesn't seem to be anybody else nearby. What if they come suddenly? Ah.. that's okay, I should be able to get out easily - after all, I am swifter than the remaining group!
Then why am I lagging?
Forget it.. I am fast!!!"

"Oh! Mom just looked at me; Does she know I am trying to sneak out? Let me stay close for a moment lest Dad also looks for me..."

"Now, I think it is safe to leave. They are convinced that I am with them, but what about the man with the stick? He must have seen so many like me and he can easily catch me unless I take off from there as soon as I am satisfied with my adventure."

"Okay.. here I go..."
.
.
.
.
.
.
And the bird flew down to the field below to get few grains. Its maiden adventure to the fields! It reached back safely to the group in 2 minutes.

Oh, the man with the stick? It was a scare-crow!

~R-Square

WWYWIYCWAA-Wee-Why-Cwah-V-Y-Kw-aaah

WWYWIYCWAA-Wee-Why-Cwah-V-Y-Kw-aaah

WWYWIYCWAA stands for What Would You Write If You Could Write Absolutely Anything


***************************************************************************

If I can write absolutely anything… here is what I can write ;) – To maintain the language as English I have translated (find the original conversation below)

**************************************************************************

R: I’ll be back in some time
: OK
: We don’t need to have an…
: I think we should check
: Some books, pens…
: What are you saying?
: ha, ha, ha, train…
: When I say sweep that…
: Your voice was good then.. what happened now?
: It is wrong to have 2 PAs in a project.
: I am feeling scared.
: They will allow writing exams at that time and then…
: Lock that door…
: He is saying that nobody came for verification.
: It should not be a question - 9 hours or 8.5 hours…
: If anybody goes…
: It’s not like that, in the evening the day-before…
: Bring her too. You come soon.
: Actually, I am fasting.
: Actually, I have bought this month
: I’ll come to your place
: Back to Bangalore, Back to Hyderabad. The world is round for them.
: I alone am paying 4000
: How are you doing?
: I got the deposit; I do not know anything else.
: I took 3 certifications this year
: Ok. Is that all?
: He responds quickly.
R: I am back!

*************************************************************************

For those who are troubled and not able to understand, the only statements that are in ‘Green’ are the ones that would make sense. I left my place – went to the New Food Court through the Old Food Court, Amphitheatre and back the same route. If some people saw me making notes and thought that I was out of my mind; here is what I was doing – I was noting whatever I heard on my way (discarding those which I could not understand or those that were too many to scribble). Please note that no two statements are related and were part of a single conversation except the ones in ‘Green’.

Here’s the original dialogue and the source:

Raviraj : (In Telugu) Ippude vastaanu
Team mate : OK
A talking to her teammate : We don’t need to have an…
B talking on phone : I think we should check…
C (girl) to a guy : Some books, pens,…
D (Don’t remember who) : What are you saying?

I took the stairs. A girl was tearing a paper while walking up the stairs.

A group of guys were talking near the elevator in ground floor…

E (one from the group above) : ha, ha, ha, train…

I came out and one maintenance lady was sweeping the leaves off the grass…

F to another maintenance lady : (In Telugu) Adi oodavamante…
G (guy on phone) : (In Telugu) Indaaka voice baagundi malli ippudu emaindi?
H (Group of guys) : (In Telugu) Oka project lo iddaru PA lu unte tappu.

Maintenance workers were plucking grass/ setting the path right near the Old Food Court

I (maintenance worker – one to another): (In Telugu) Naaku ayite bhayam vestondi.
J (girl to boy) : (In Telugu) Appudu ayite exams raayanistaaru. Next emo..
K (Near Apollo Clinic) : (In Telugu) Aa door lock cheyyi.
L (A person on phone) : He is saying that nobody came for verification
M (One in a group of guys) : It should not be a question – 9 hours or 8.5 hours…
N (Don’t remember who) : (In Hindi) Agar koi jaata hai…
O (Don’t remember who) : (In Telugu) Alaa kaadu monna saayantram

Some people were setting up ‘Finacle Fever’ banner. Tried to hear and understand their voices. They were looking at some weirdly (I thought) as to why this guy has a book and pen in his hand and trying to note something. I could not understand anything so left the place.

P (2 girls- the one on phone says) : (In Telugu) Aame* ni kooda pattukura. Nuvvu tondaraga ra.
Q (3 girls – one of them says) : (In Tamil) Naa fasting iraka actual aa…
R (Girl on phone) : (In Telugu) Actually, ee month konesaanu.
S (one guy to another) : I’ll come to your place.

On the way back,

T (Girl says to 2 guys) : (In Hindi) Vaapas Bangalore. Vaapas Hyderabad. Duniya gol hai unke liye.

One big group talked something in unknown (to me) language (Malayalam maybe!)

U (Girl to guy) : (In Telugu) Nenu okkadaanne 4000 pay chestunnanu

A guy meets another one on the stairs of Old Food Court

V : (In Hindi) Kaisa Hai?

Clinking sound of coins: A guy is collecting coins from the Coca-Cola vending machine.

W (Guy on phone) : (In Telugu) Naaku deposit padindi; inkemi teleedu.
X (Guy in a group) : (In Telugu) Moodu certifications raasina ee year
Y (Girl to another girl) : (In Telugu) Ok. Anthena?
Z (A guy to girl) : (In Telugu) Quick ka respond avutaadu.

Raviraj (To teammate) : I am back!

* ‘Aame’ was actually a name. I did not want to use any names here. So, I changed the statement.

P.S: I am sorry to all the people whom I met on the way in my journey from my cubicle to my cubicle for invading into their privacy.
----------------------------------------

(My non-winning entry!!!)

“Absolutely Anything”


Now that would not count as an entry, would it? It takes only 2 words, but that is what was asked out of me. If I had to increase the number of the words I could start writing absolutely anything all over and over again. Just because there is no upper limit on the number of words, does not mean that I ramble with the words and seriously write absolutely anything. Now, to make sense I can write absolutely anything or just keep talking about ‘absolutely anything’ and write absolutely nothing.

Though I said I would write absolutely nothing, it looks like I wrote something. Does this something count as absolutely anything or nothing or is there something in this nothing too?

P.S: Don’t blame me for this utter nonsense – you asked me to write absolutely anything

Keys

Keys

There are few instances where you feel you should have waited for few more minutes before doing something.. here is one...

We went for shopping for the whole week. So, when we were back we had a lot of things to hold before getting to our house. Our house had a secured gate. So, to get into our house, I had to open the secured gate, which takes us to a common area and then of course, the key to unlock our house.

Because there were too many things to carry, I went inside the house with one bag and came back for more. This time, my friends were trying to help me get the other stuff. We came to the secured gate and I realized that I did not bring the key out. I remembered that I had not locked the house, but the secured gate gets locked automatically. I was thinking where I would have kept the key because I hadn't left it at the house (or did I?). So, I searched my pockets - I reached the front pocket of the shirt and the front pockets of my trousers still holding all the groceries.

I called my room-mate to check when he would come. He did not answer the phone (as he was driving - I found that out later). So, we decided to ring someone else's doorbell who could open the door for us. I rang the bell - our neighbour's bell (hmm... the neighbour whom we never met). The guy came and opened the door. He was sleeping, I think - by the way he looked. I thanked him and apologized for the trouble caused.

I started picking the things and turned to see that my roomie standing behind me! We waited for so much time before ringing my neighbour's doorbell and here comes my roomie..! I was thinking could he not have come a little earlier or should I have waited for some more time. I was feeling bad for my neighbor to have woken him up. We took all the bags inside and set them in the house still wondering where I would have left my keys.

As I reached my back pocket, I found my keys!

Enjoy!

~ R-Square

Gotcha!

Gotcha!

(Written on 23 Aug 2008 to unwind the mind because just watched the movie "SAW" - don't want to get involved too much... though I just posted my other blog 'Life is Beautiful' - it was written a long time back though --> To understand the relation between the movie "SAW" and the phrase "Life is Beautiful" you have to watch the movie SAW)

2 years ago, I came onsite to work at a client location for my company. There were some funny incidents that took place during the first few days and I thought I should make a note of these, but most of them slipped my mind and owing to the fact that 2 years is a lot of time to remember things (especially for me!), I forgive myself. Here are the ones I remember.

Id - Name Tags:
We used to make sure that we read the Id to get the names of people (especially girls - not to mention good looking!!!) on our way to FC (Food Court) from our desk; once we know the names, it was easy to find the details (for example: where does (s)he stay, what department (s)he works in, what department (s)he sits etc.) about that person from our employee database. Being a regular to use the company transport, I used to have a little more information on where (s)he would get down or which route (s)he goes; we used to do a lot of linking for the information each of us had. Let me mention that the discussion/ interest used to be more for girls than guys for obvious reasons; it would also be appropriate to mention here that there were no bad intentions in collecting this information. It used to stay within the group and I assure that it has caused nobody any harm!!

Now for gotcha: When traveling by flight, I was looking for the air-hostess' ids :) - not that they did not have ids... just that it was awkward trying to do that.

Restroom Confusion: It is a bit embarrassing to talk about restroom for a long time, but I love this because it took me 2-3 minutes to figure out how to get water out from the wash basin to wash my hands!!

The Washroom/ Bathroom/ Toilet of our office was a place where I had seen the technology that not only appalled me, but sometimes confused me!

There were some features like automatic hand-drying, automatic paper machine which had hand sensor to bring the paper out so that you could dry your hands! Now, this was in 2006 and I had seen these things for the first time though my company in India was had all the facilities; it was more manual.

This client location, had different features in different restrooms. I was seeing new equipments to wash and dry hands every time I go to a different restroom over the first 15 days.

Gotcha: One of those days, I went to a restroom and wanted to wash my hands stood near a wash basin expecting to activate the sensor to get the water "automatically". The water did not flow and my hands were now wet with soap and I had to wash my hands. There was no tap on the basin so there had to be a sensor otherwise water cannot flow (at least that's what I thought!)

A person came by to the next basin near me; water started flowing - he washed his hands and left. I thought maybe the one I was trying to use wasn't working. I waited for the person to leave and moved to the other basin. Even that wouldn't work!! Another man came in - he washed his hands and left and here I was trying to wash my hands for so much time on that very basin and I could not!!

I, then, moved to the wash basin that had a tap (built for physically challenged people), washed my hands and then left. I realized how to get water out of that other basin only during my second visit to that restroom. I had observed that there were levers below the basin so one had to walk to the basin step on the lever and water starts flowing!! Looks simple, but if you do not know.. you are doomed!

I am sure there were many others instances where I thought it was a Gotcha! situation, but looks like this itself has grown big and is kinds boring.. so that's it for now.

Enjoy!

~R-Square

Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful
(Written on 28 Jun 2008 - bedtime)

Call it a movie; call it an experience! I was watching the movie and "after" it was done - I was amazed. This is the old one.. the original is in Italian (I guess) and the movie has an unknown magic that talks about taking life a "little" easy and not to lose 'sense-of-humor' in you even during the last moments of your life (especially when you do not know whether you are going to live or die!!).

Can't talk much about the World War II [owing to my history Knowledge :( ], but sure makes me think why it started and how it would have changed most people's lives. We are certainly lucky to be born in an era where we do not have problems (not literally, comparatively speaking.. I know we have all sorts of problems in our age.. we do not know whether we will be back home once we are out of our homes in the morning, but at least there is no tension about death..)

Inspirational movie - makes you think a lot about yourself - I recommend it.. know more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118799/

Enjoy!

~R-Square

Car Wash

Car Wash

Location: Kansas City, Kansas, USA

"How can you drive a car without cleaning it?"
"The first thing you should do before you start driving is to clean the car!"

I never ever would start the car after checking whether it is clean. Once I start driving if the windshield is not clean.. get the wipers on and clean it - as simple as that! Now, people may say that I am lazy, but that's okay - that's what I am!

Okay - so here is a day that I should remember for the rest of my life - the day I went to Car Wash with a couple of my friends. It was a self car wash. You need to put some quarters to start the machine. It runs for 3 minutes and to add an additional minute you put in an additional quarter. You vaccuum your car from inside and then you use soap and spray the car with water to clean it thouroughly.

It truly is really good service. You can clean it easily. The first thing I always think is whether you will get such a service in India ever. May be not, but is such a service required in India!!? It would be a lot cheaper to get it cleaned when you get your vehicle serviced..!

While doing this.. we used credit card. We had to swipe the card first - use the services and stop the soap and water and hit the "stop" button to finish the credit card transaction and both my friends forgot to hit the final "stop" and their credit cards were charged lot more than they would have wanted before they even realized. (I managed to hit the "stop" button because my eyes were on the billing display every second to see how much it was charging me.. and when I was done... immediately I hit the "stop" button.. no time wasted ;)) Now, the cars are clean, but we (together) probably paid a lot more than we should have for the cleaning!!

One of my friends who was charged more said he was not going for cleaning again because of this. I sure am not going anyway because I generally do not want to clean things.

My quote: There is difference between keeping anything tidy and keeping things untidy. When you keep things tidy they tend to get dirty and you will notice that immediately and when you keep things untidy you will not notice the difference even when it gets dirtier:)

Enjoy!

R-Square