Page 54 of Stars At Dusk

‘Sante khan,’ Aran mumbled. He stumbled away towards the bathroom, hidden behind a large plate of soaring frosted plex on the opposite end of the room.

He emerged many minutes later, pushing a towel through his red-streaked hair. ‘Feels good. Much cleaner, smelling better than I have for days,’ he smirked.

‘Seems you also more sober, too,’ Kage teased. ‘Drink,’ he urged, pointing to a chilled pitcher dripping with moisture. ‘I don’t need you at work tomorrow with a hangover.’

Aran chugged the water while Kage put the finishing touches on a series of platters.

‘Chows up.’

‘I was wondering what all the sweet ‘romas were,’ Aran stated. Then, at the sight of the spread, he whistled under his breath, Pika style.

The platters featured fresh fried fish with a seaweed vinaigrette, pine nuts and slices of layered, buttery potatoes. Another was piled with seafood ravioli and feta cheese. They were accompanied by a loaf of crusty bread and more butter. And finally, a tray of desserts featuring parfaits, a plethora of fruits and honey for dipping.

‘For me?’ Aran had never looked so perplexed in his life. ‘I don’t even know half of what this is,khan.’

‘Then let me introduce you to good food.’

‘You cook this,khan?’

‘Naam.’

‘I can’t -’

‘Stop protesting. I need to eat. And you’re my guest. So don’t insult me by refusing to share my table.’

It was all Aran needed to hear. Kage watched with amusement as the youth dug in with gusto.

‘Prolly need to teach you table manners as well,’ Kage growled as morsels flew across the table.

He spent the next few minutes showing Aran how to use his utensils.

Only then did he tuck into his meal.

When they were both sated, Kainan made Aran clear the dishes and wash them up.

Finally, they settled onto his maxi couch, Kage stretching out with a can of cold cider, Aran keeping to water only.

‘Need to talk,’ Kage commanded.

‘Naamkhan,’ Aran said, his eyes darting about in fear for what he was about to hear.

‘So you failed your paper,’ Kage said.

The young man hung his head, his shoulders drooping. ‘Naam, so ashamed.’

‘Like I’ve told you many times, no need to be ashamed. You need to brush it off and try again. The engineering entrance exam is not the easiest. I’ll help you if you want.’

Aran looked up eagerly. ‘You will,khan?’

‘Sure. I failed my papers once. I know the pain you feel. But disappearing from home and work was dramatic. Flunking one paper doesn’t seem reason enough to run off.’

Aran’s face fell.

‘What else is going on?’ Kage gently pushed.

Aran hesitated. ‘Khan, ‘tis Pika business.’

‘Tell me. Maybe I can help.’

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