Chapter 70: Next Time

As he uttered those words, Cabir noticed how Reyansh’s gaze strayed towards Ikshita while a contented smile blossomed on his face.

He nodded, understanding that his friend wasn’t as hung up on things not working out as he had first thought. Recalling some incident, the lawyer laughed a little.

‘After all, we have grown up; we aren’t those school kids so easily swayed by emotions as we were back then.’

“Well, it’s good you aren’t a gloomy Gus pining after the person who’s left.”

“It wouldn’t do to end up like you, you know? Still longing after someone who rejected you.” Reyansh answered.

“What the- I wasn’t rejected! I never even asked her!” Cabir snaped almost spontaneously.

“…after all these years? That sucks even more, to be honest.” The tall man told him in his usual matter-of-fact tone.

“What’s so bad about having feelings for someone for s long time, huh? That shows how much I care.”

“If it was after you’d been rejected, it’d be tragic and I certainly wouldn’t want to be a tragic character. But as for your current situation…I mean, that’s cowardly and I think that’s worse. If you care, be brave enough to show it.”

Cabir’s jaw fell open; he couldn’t think of a reply.

“You always made fun of Aakash and me for not asking out those we liked back in school. But look how the tables turn!” Reyansh pressed on, getting into the groove.

“Isn’t it illogical to hurt your friend’s fragile feelings?”

“It’s more logical to press your advantage. You are annoying in general, and I have a good chance to give you a dressing down; it’s a not-to-be-missed chance.” The man’s response was smooth.

“Hey-”

“You know…it’s always wise to tell the person you like that you do so, whatever the outcome. I’m sure Aakash would tell you the same. There’s relief in that.”

“Only if things work out. Only when the answer’s ‘yes’.” Cabir blew off his advice with a scoff.

“That is always the best but even if it isn’t…”

“How would you know?” Cabir laughed. “She liked you.”

“Until she didn’t.”

“Ah…” Cabir was shocked for a moment. “Uh, I mean, at least then she did.”

“I won’t deny that.” Reyansh pondered for a moment. “But the moment you actually reveal what you feel, it’s like a weight is off your chest. Isn’t it tiring thinking again and again what the other person thinks of you?”

“It’s better than having the relationship dynamic change for the worse because your emotions are not reciprocated.” Cabir shrugged.

“You think we weren’t worried about it when we confessed?” Reyansh shrugged right back. “If your bond is strong, nothing much will change. Yeah, perhaps some awkwardness will exist for a while but your friendship won’t suffer.”

“You know, I know all that.” Cabir grinned. “But the fear that exists isn’t something that goes away just because you’re aware of it. Love is irrational.”

“Love makes you irrational. And you’re an idiot on top of that. Love is just an emotional, it can’t act irrationally.”

“I’m not stupid.”

“So you say. But what I’m saying is, why don’t you give it a try?”

“Being stupid? No thanks. I’ll leave that to you guys.”

“Asking her out!” Reyansh rolled his eyes.

“We were supposed to talk about your love life. Why are we discussing mine?” Cabir snorted. As Reyansh opened his mouth to speak, he was cut off by a hand patting his shoulder.

Giving a slight, sad smile, Cabir murmured, “If you want to convince me, this little heart-to-heart isn’t nearly enough. Try more next time. For now,” He stretched his arms and gestured towards the group they had left behind, “Let’s enjoy our movies. The doors are opening.”