Chapter 66: Reyansh

“Me? Pretty good. How about you? It’s been ages.” Reyansh fisted Cabir’s shoulder too, the grin widening on his face.

“Well, I’ve-”

“Been eating people out of house and home. Trying to earn respect from kids. And lazing around in general.” A voice spoke beside the two.

Cabir’s head twisted sideways and he scowled at the woman in black beside him.

“Just what-”

“The usual, then.” Reyansh spoke.

“…” Cabir almost exploded. “Are you two in cahoots or something?”

“I mean, when one friend is making fun of another, it’s the logical thing to join the one who’s doing the teasing.” Reyansh’s voice was calm and composed, as if he was explaining something most simple to a clueless person.

Hearing that very familiar tone of voice, Cabir’s eye twitched.

“The logical thing would be to turn the tables on the person who started annoying! You should be helping me. Wouldn’t that be more fun?”

“Yes, it would be fun but honestly, have you ever beaten Aanya? I don’t want to help when I might get made fun of too. Isn’t it rational to support the winner?”

Aanya patted Cabir on the back as his shoulders slumped in defeat.

“Everyone who knows us would never support you. Nobody’s dumb enough. Especially not Reyansh.”

“What kind of conversation is this?” Aakash laughed from behind Reyansh, “You’re going to weird Ikshita out if you go on like this.”

At that moment, the three old friends turned their attention to the lady who had been trailing behind Reyansh.

“No, no, no.” She raised her hands in defence, warding off Aakash’s words. “There’s nothing weird.” She had an easy smile on her face.

“Of course there’s nothing weird,” Reyansh spoke matter-of-factly to Aakash. “If the oldest of friends don’t talk like we are, who will? It’s only logical.”

“…” Aakash was speechless.

“Well, if she isn’t weirded out by hanging around this guy, I doubt anything else can have that effect.” Cabir shrugged from the side. “After all, it’s only logical.”

The comment elicited a hearty laugh from Ikshita who nodded slightly.

“…Unlike you, I’m completely normal.” Reyansh spoke to Cabir. “And his imitation of me was pathetic, why did you laugh?” He looked confused as he asked his partner.

“Just because.” Ikshita answered with a straight face.

“Please don’t get affected by Cabir, we have enough trouble with only one of him.” Reyansh answered as he nodded his understanding.

“That know-it-all tone of his gets on my nerves.” Cabir gritted out to the woman at his side who laughed.

“Weren’t you very happy meeting him just a few minutes ago?”

“I have reconsidered and have decided to stand by the statement that my friends are the bane of my existence.”

“I see. Let me add another load then.” Aanya smiled.

“Wha-?”

He didn’t even manage to complete his sentence before she shoved the tray of food back into his arms. “Enjoy.”

“Oh, c’m-”

Aakash took the tray from him as he came to his side.

“You are a really good guy, Aakash!” Cabir said. “It was a pain carrying-”

“I took the tray back because I don’t trust you.” Aakash snorted. “Just look at how many popcorns you are standing on.”

“You both still like those mixed ones? Made for each other, aren’t you?” Reyansh commented as he noticed the tray changing hands.

“Their taste buds have some issues.” Cabir agreed instantly.

Levying a critical gaze on Cabir, the tall man again adopted his matter-of-fact tone, “You aren’t much better. Just eat normal salted popcorn. What’s with the excess flavouring? I don’t like it.”

“Your tastes haven’t changed much either, have they?” Aakash laughed.

“Undoubtedly. He’s still Rational Reyansh the Rotten.” Cabir shrugged.