The Evening Breeze
The evening breeze carried the scent of rain as Shani stood by the old bridge, staring at the rippling water below. Something about this place felt different tonight — familiar, almost whispering her name through the wind.
Then, a man came silently toward Shani, making no noise. She felt someone approaching her from behind but didn’t know who it was. Her eyes started to worry, and her hands were shivering. Someone stood right behind her…
Then, a hand touched her shoulder. She turned around as fast as she could — and it was Bujjodha.
She hit him. “Idiot! You could’ve called me, naa! I was so worried!”
“Haha, oof,” he laughed softly, rubbing his arm. “Poor me, taking the hit! Ayy, calm down, detective Shani,” he teased with that familiar half-smile. The tension in the air eased as the rain began to fall, light drops glowing under the streetlight.
“You really thought I’d let you stand out here alone?” he said, pulling his jacket over her shoulders.
She looked at him and said, “You know what, we have to run — it’s raining!”
Together they started running, Bujjodha chasing Shani.
Bujjodha laughed as he ran after her, his footsteps splashing through puddles. “You call this running? You’re slower than the rain!” he shouted playfully.
Shani turned back, laughing, her hair sticking to her face as droplets sparkled under the streetlight. For a moment, everything felt weightless — just laughter, rain, and two hearts racing through the night.
Then Shani slipped on the wet ground, but Bujjodha, in a hero’s way, caught her. He looked into her eyes as rain droplets slid down her glowing face. For a second, time seemed to pause. The rain softened; the world went quiet — only the sound of their breaths filled the air.
Bujjodha gently brushed a strand of wet hair off her face and whispered, “You really love giving me heart attacks, don’t you?”
She smiled faintly, still in his arms. “Maybe I just wanted to see if you’d catch me,” she said softly.
A child far away said to his parents, “Even I want to do that!” His parents smiled, watching them. Both Shani and Bujjodha looked at each other, then she stood up slowly as he took his hands back.
Bujjodha chuckled. “Guess we just gave them a movie scene,” he said softly.
Shani smiled shyly, tucking her hair behind her ear as the rain eased. The clouds parted, and moonlight spilled over the bridge. For a brief second, they just stood there — silent, close, and somehow connected by more than just the rain.
“So, what are you doing here?” Shani asked.
Bujjodha smirked, kicking a pebble into the water. “I could ask you the same thing,” he said, glancing at her. Then, after a pause, his tone softened. “But honestly… I just had a feeling you’d be here. Like the wind whispered your name or something.” He laughed, half embarrassed, half sincere.
Shani said, “Hmm, nice… but now tell me the truth?”
Bujjodha’s grin faded a little. “Alright,” he said quietly, voice blending with the sound of the water. “I came because… I saw the light from the bridge flicker earlier, and I got this strange feeling you might be here — alone. And I didn’t want you to be.”
“Alright… what about dinner, Mr. Bujjodha? I’m hungry,” she said.
“Oh yeah, I totally forgot,” he smiled softly. “Maybe just looking at you filled my stomach.”
Shani teased, “Okay then, so you don’t need dinner tonight. I’ll have mine alone.”
Bujjodha widened his eyes dramatically. “Ayy, wait, wait — who said that? I was being romantic, not suicidal!”
Shani laughed, that bright carefree laugh he secretly loved hearing.
“Fine,” he grinned, “but only if you promise to cook next time. I’m done risking my life over instant noodles.”
Shani smiled, “Then marry soon, Bujjodha. You’ll get a wife who cooks everything you want.”
He chuckled, tilting his head with a playful glint. “Hmm… sounds tempting. But what if I already found the one who cooks and steals my peace at the same time?” he teased softly.
Shani looked away, trying to hide her smile, but her blush gave her away.
“So, let’s go for dinner?” she asked.
“Yes,” Bujjodha said. “My car’s at the shop. Where do you want to have dinner — my home or a restaurant?” Then he stepped a little closer and whispered, “Having dinner at home might be better… we can cook together.”
Shani’s heart skipped a beat. “At home? You mean your home?” she asked, half teasing, half nervous.
He smiled, brushing a droplet from her cheek. “Our dinner, our rules.”
The rain had almost stopped now, leaving the air cool and quiet.
“Okay then… let’s go, Chef Bujjodha,” she said.
They started driving home.
“So, how was your day?” Shani asked.
“Until I met you — boring,” he smiled. They both laughed. The water on the roads reflected the trees and lights like mirrors — a beautiful scene. Soft music played in the car, blending with the rhythm of raindrops.
Shani leaned her head on the glass, watching the lights dance. “Feels like the city is dreaming tonight,” she murmured.
Bujjodha glanced at her and smiled. “Maybe it finally found its peace… just like me.”
They reached Bujjodha’s home. He opened the door and welcomed her in.
Shani said, “Let me prepare coffee for both of us — it’s cool outside. So, what are you going to cook now?”
He widened his eyes. “I don’t have anything here to cook…”
Shani looked shocked. “Then why did you offer dinner at home?”
He scratched his neck, looking guilty but trying not to laugh. “Well… I didn’t think we’d actually reach this far,” he said sheepishly.
She crossed her arms, pretending to be angry but smiling. “Unbelievable,” she muttered, heading to the kitchen. “At least coffee I can save.”
As the aroma of coffee filled the air, Bujjodha leaned on the counter. “You know,” he said softly, “I might not have food… but this moment’s kind of perfect already.”
Shani frowned, “You prepare coffee; I’ll bring mutton.”
She said, “No need to go out, it’s raining again.”
But he insisted, “I offered you dinner, and I’ll fulfill it. Don’t worry, I’ll be back before the coffee’s ready. Lock the doors.” He ran out.
As Shani went to lock the doors, the power suddenly went out.
She tensed for a moment, searching for her phone to turn on the torch. She went to the kitchen to lower the stove flame — then suddenly heard the windows banging.
She froze. The sounds were horrific. She knew she was alone. Slowly, she walked toward the bedroom — the windows there were shattering. As she closed them, she heard the sound of vessels falling in the kitchen.
Scared, she went back — the vessels near the window had fallen due to the heavy wind. The power was still out. She tried calling Bujjodha, but the line wasn’t reachable.
“Please come fast, Bujjodha,” she whispered.
Then suddenly — knock… knock… knock!
A slow, heavy sound came from the main door. Her breath caught. The knocks came again, louder. Trembling, she whispered, “Bujjodha, is that you?”
No answer. Just silence.
She didn’t open the door. The window noises grew louder. She followed the sound back to the same bedroom.
While she was there, someone opened the main door she had locked. Her heart raced. She turned slowly — eyes wet, body shivering — and heard a familiar voice.
“What happened, Shani?”
It was Bujjodha.
She turned and hugged him tightly, trembling.
“Hey, dear, what happened?” he asked.
She explained everything breathlessly. Bujjodha looked at her for a moment — then burst into laughter.
Shani felt bad and started hitting him.
“Okay, okay! Wait, don’t hit me,” he laughed. “Actually, the window lock doesn’t work — that’s why it was banging. And those kitchen vessels? I kept them near the window because they won’t break if they fall — but yeah, they make a lot of noise!”
He laughed harder, and soon she joined him.
“See? Even the house wanted to welcome you with some drama!” he said, still smiling.
“Drama? You almost gave me a heart attack!” she said, rolling her eyes.
He stepped closer, his voice soft. “But hey… I came back fast, just like I promised.”
The lights flickered back on, filling the room with a golden glow.
“Perfect timing,” he whispered. “Now let’s make that dinner worth the storm.”
They went to the kitchen. Shani noticed the stove had gone off due to the wind. Bujjodha smiled again as she relit it and started cooking.
“Why didn’t you reply when I called your name, Bujjodha, when you knocked?” she asked.
“It was raining heavily outside,” he said. “I could only hear the raindrops. And I had a key in my car, so when you didn’t open, I used it and came inside. I saw you walking toward the bedroom and followed you.”
“Ohhh,” she said, pouring the coffee into two cups.
Bujjodha took one cup from her hand, their fingers brushing briefly. “Hmm, perfect coffee,” he said. “Guess the storm was worth it.”
Shani smiled softly, leaning on the counter. “Next time, let’s skip the scary part, okay?”
He laughed. “Deal — but only if the chef promises to stay by my side even if the lights go out again.”
She smiled shyly. “We’ll see about that.”
Outside, the rain began to fade — but inside, something warm was just beginning to brew.
They started cooking together. Bujjodha handed her the chopped vegetables with a grin.
“Careful, Chef Shani, don’t burn my masterpiece.”
She nudged him playfully. “Your masterpiece? Excuse me, I’m the one saving this dinner!”
As they cooked side by side, the kitchen filled with the scent of spices and laughter. Every small touch — a brush of hands, a shared look — felt unspoken but full of meaning.
When the food was ready, Shani tasted it first. “Hmm… not bad, Mr. Bujjodha,” she teased.
He leaned closer. “Then I guess it’s true… everything tastes better when you’re here.” 💞
“Let’s freshen up first,” he said.
“Okay, you go first — you already had a bath in the rain,” she smiled.
He laughed. “Okay, madam.”
When he returned, he was surprised — the table was beautifully set by Shani. Plates, dishes — everything perfect.
“Wow,” he said, “I always wished for a scene like this — returning from work to a dinner beautifully served by my wife.”
Shani looked down shyly.
“Please come fast, I’m hungry,” he smiled.
As she walked to the bedroom, Bujjodha caught her hand and came closer. “Call me if you need help,” he said softly.
She gently pulled her hand away and went inside.
When she returned, the hall was filled with candles and rose petals — Bujjodha had done it all for her. The scent of roses filled the room with warmth and love.
Shani stood frozen for a moment, candlelight dancing on her face. “You did all this while I was gone?” she asked quietly.
He nodded. “You deserved something special. Not just dinner… but a moment you’ll remember.”
Her eyes glimmered in the light as soft music played in the background.
“You’re impossible, Bujjodha,” she whispered with a shy smile.
He smiled back. “Only for you, Shani.”
He took her hands, pulled out a chair for her, and sat opposite her. The candlelight added an extra glow to their faces.
“This looks straight out of a dream,” she said softly.
“Then don’t wake up,” he replied warmly.
They began eating slowly, laughing between bites, stealing glances that said more than words could.
Between laughter and quiet moments, they fed each other small bites, teasing and smiling all the while. The candles flickered gently, reflecting in Shani’s eyes as Bujjodha said,
“You know… I could get used to this — you, me, and a little chaos turning into something beautiful.”
Shani smiled, her heart full. “Then maybe,” she said softly, “we should make more of these beautiful messes together.”
The room fell quiet — not awkward, but peaceful. Just two souls, lost in the warmth of one perfect night. 🌙“The Night That Never Ended
They finished the candlelight dinner together, laughing softly as they placed the plates aside. The room was still glowing with candlelight, and the rain outside painted gentle shadows across the walls.
Bujjodha walked to the window and looked out, hands in his pockets, breathing slow and calm. “Shani,” he said, his voice low and steady, “Nights like this… they don’t come often.”
He didn’t look back immediately — but he didn’t need to. He could feel her there.
Shani looked at him quietly, her fingers still dancing to the background music. Bujjodha noticed that and slowly came toward her and asked, “Will you dance with me?”
Shani looked into his eyes, and with a shy smile, she said, “Okay.”
Bujjodha played a beautiful song and held her in his arms. Both looked lost in their world, dancing with love, their eyes still locked. That graceful touch of hands was just waiting for her warmth.
The song ended, but they were still dancing.
Bujjodha said softly, “I’ll never forget this moment. It’s so special for me.”
She smiled and said, “We may create many more, Bujjodha.” For the first time, she expressed that she loved him and wanted to live with him.
Bujjodha’s eyes filled with love and tears.
She asked, “What happened? I never knew that if I expressed my feelings, you would cry…”
She leaned close to him and said softly, “I’ve noticed everything from the day we met — the way you look at me with love, curiosity, and the way you wanted to talk to me. You made me confront your naughty thoughts and your expressions of love. I took time to express mine because I wanted to see how long you’d keep doing all this for me.”
He came closer, and even this time, their lips wished to meet. Her eyes leaned down shyly. Bujjodha took the first step and kissed her.
But suddenly, he went a step back. She was shocked and asked, “What happened?”
He said quietly, “I wish this moment had happened before.”
She asked, “What happened now?”
He calmed himself and said, “It’s raining heavily outside… thank God there’s no communication.”
She looked confused. “What?”
He smiled faintly. “If it wasn’t raining, you wouldn’t have stayed here, and you would never have expressed your feelings, right?”
She smiled softly. “Maybe someday I might have told you all this.”
He asked, “You like watching movies together in this weather, right?”
She said, “Yes.”
He started arranging the sofa for both of them to watch a movie. He even selected a beautiful one without searching much.
They both lay on the bed under a blanket and started watching. Shani noticed he was just looking at her and said teasingly, “Bujjodha, no movie is playing on my face.”
He smiled and cuddled her tightly.
While watching TV, he brought popcorn for her. But she slowly fell asleep. Bujjodha quietly turned off the TV and pulled the blanket closer to her with gentle care.
That night, Bujjodha didn’t sleep. He just kept looking at her face…
The next morning, birds were chirping as the fresh day began. The strong aroma of coffee filled the home.
Shani woke up, smiling, “Good morning, Bujjodhaaa,” she said with love — but there was no reply.
She thought he was in the kitchen, busy preparing her favorite coffee.
She put down her legs, and as her feet touched the floor, she felt the roses. The room looked messy — filled with candles and roses everywhere.
She started walking toward the kitchen, saying playfully, “Hey, where did you bring all these roses in that rain yesterday?”
But there was no one in the kitchen. Just her coffee — still hot.
She turned toward the bedroom, searching for Bujjodha, calling his name… but no response.
She thought he was teasing her, playing around.
Then suddenly — knock… knock… knock!
Someone knocked at the door.
She thought maybe Bujjodha went out to bring something again. With love and excitement, she opened the door saying, “Bujjjoodhaaa!”
But it wasn’t Bujjodha. It was the police.
Two officers stood outside beside an ambulance.
She looked confused. “Yes?”
They asked, “Is this Bujjodha’s home?”
She said, “Y-yes…” her voice trembling.
They asked, “Who are you?” She replied softly, “I’m… I’m his friend.”
They questioned, “Did you stay here yesterday?” She said yes, glancing toward the ambulance, where someone’s body was being taken out.
Still unsure, she continued, “Yesterday night, I was here as it was raining heavily with Bujj—” She couldn’t even finish his name when she saw the body.
It was Bujjodha.
She froze.
Her breath stopped.
The cop said, “Yesterday evening, during the heavy rain, Bujjodha met with an accident.
He died on the spot.
There were some non-veg items and roses in his bag…” Shani stood there, completely shocked, and fell to the ground.
The female cop helped her up and gave her some water. Shani couldn’t understand what was happening.
As the cop’s words echoed — “He died last evening” — her mind went blank.
She remembered cooking with Bujjodha — the same non-veg food they had for dinner.
The candlelight, the laughter, the kiss, everything. She slowly turned toward the house.
There was only one plate on the dining table. She went to the kitchen — there was only one coffee cup in the sink.
She remembered… they both had coffee together.
Her mind replayed his words — “Thank God there’s no communication… I wish this had happened before…” and how his eyes were filled with water.
She didn’t even realize — with whom she had stayed last night. He was already gone.
Even after death, he came back — just to be with her. She realized the strange things that had happened before he arrived — the window sounds, the doors opening and closing by themselves — it was him. And the roses that appeared suddenly — they were his.
Shani screamed loudly and started crying uncontrollably. She realized how deeply he had loved her.
Her own words echoed in her head — “We may create many more… and I want to live with you, Bujjodha…”
She fell to the ground, crying hard — so hard that no one could calm her down.
Meanwhile, on the table, the coffee cup — still filled with coffee — was still hot… ☕💔
