Story – The magic of Late Afternoon

Story serial – (Part – 6)
The magic of Late Afternoon
Written by – Ashish kumer banik
(This reflection is based on a real-life experience personally witnessed by the author.
Names and certain details have been adapted to protect privacy while preserving the essence of the story)

Sophie thought to herself that Adrian might be waiting for her on the road. But she couldn’t see Adrian anywhere along the way. Her chest burned with anger.
When she returned home, she closed the door of her room and cried for a long time. When the maid came to call her for dinner, she also spoke to her angrily.
As she watched, the setting sun of the afternoon spread the color of the azure in the western sky and disappeared beyond the horizon.

Sophie loved standing on the balcony every afternoon to look at the sky. The vast blue sky, the floating clouds and the play of colors gave her a strange peace. Sometimes, while looking at the sky, she also remembered Adrian. For some reason, an unknown emptiness arose deep in her heart.
But today, she didn’t come to the balcony this afternoon.
After dusk, she slowly came to the balcony with her hair open. The newly risen moon was spreading a gentle light through the dark sky. Sophie stared at the moon in fascination. Suddenly, a long, stifled breath escaped from her chest.
Just then, someone called out softly—
— “Sophie…”
She was startled and looked back.
Adrian was standing.
— You!
— Yes, me.
— When did you come?
— A little while ago
— Then why didn’t you tell me?
Adrian smiled softly,
— I was watching you.
— Why?
— The silence of the evening and you seemed so beautiful together. But tell me, why are you so sad today?

Sophie gently stroked her open hair and said,
— I thought you would stand on the path and wait for me.
Adrian smiled and said,
— Would that really be good?
Sophie was silent for a moment and said,
— Why?
— If anyone had seen me standing there, especially Keniel, he would have had more of a chance.
Sophie seemed to be suddenly startled.
After thinking for a while, she said slowly,
— Really! I didn’t think like that. How did you figure it out so quickly?
She paused and said again,
— Your thoughts are really deep. Maybe mine aren’t. But you know, I was very angry with you.
Suddenly, she put her hand to her eyes and said,
— Oh, Adrian… I feel like there’s something in my eyes. Please, take a look.

Adrian slowly came forward.
The two were now facing each other.
He gently opened Sophie’s eyelids and blew softly,
— Maybe a small insect or a speck of dust. Now open your eyes slowly.
Sophie slowly opened her eyes.
Adrian felt the gentle scent of Sophie’s wet hair from very close. At the touch of his warm breath, Sophie’s open hair swayed in the light breeze.

To be continued…

Written by – Ashish kumer banik
(This reflection is based on a real-life experience personally witnessed by the author.
Names and certain details have been adapted to protect privacy while preserving the essence of the story)