This brand BSME2E has been of a very big support to talents and creatives and I am a testimony….thanks to BSME2E
Let your child’s imagination run wild with our DIY Storybook Kit, perfect for budding young writers and artists! 🎨✨
I made this song because of the insecurity in Nigeria and the Christian genocide happening in the northern part of Nigeria..I had to say my mind through a song
I want for myself a space, a Studio simple and small, where I can work and be productive while am at home
When you roll home after a long ride — legs aching, clothes soaked with salt, and your body whispering “feed me” — the last thing you want to do is cook a meal. But here’s a secret that separates elite cyclists from weekend riders: those first 20 minutes after you unclip matter more than you think.
That post-ride window is where recovery magic happens — and smoothies might just be the easiest, fastest, and most delicious way to help your body bounce back stronger for the next ride.
Whether you’ve conquered the Tetulia-to-Teknaf route on your fixie, hammered a 100 km group ride, or delivered food under the scorching Chittagong sun — your muscles are crying out for one thing: nutrition, fast.
Let’s dive deep into the science, the balance of macronutrients, and then into powerful recovery smoothie recipes — 10 international favourites and 10 Bangladesh-inspired budget-friendly creations designed for local riders who want world-class recovery without breaking the bank.
After a tough ride, your muscles are depleted of glycogen, slightly damaged from repetitive contractions, and your hydration and electrolyte balance is off.
What you eat next determines whether you recover stronger — or drag fatigue into the next day.
The 20-Minute Recovery Window:
Your body is like a sponge immediately after exercise — it absorbs nutrients faster and more efficiently. Consuming carbs + protein within 20–30 minutes helps refill glycogen stores and repair muscle fibers.
Carbs Rebuild Energy:
Carbohydrates replenish the glycogen (stored glucose) you burned during your ride. Think of them as refilling your “fuel tank.”
Protein Repairs Muscle:
Protein provides amino acids to rebuild micro-tears in muscle tissue. Without it, recovery slows dramatically.
Electrolytes Restore Balance:
You sweat out sodium, potassium, and magnesium — all essential for muscle function and hydration.
And this is where smoothies shine. They’re easy to digest, customizable, hydrating, and can combine all three recovery pillars in one glass.
Before we jump into recipes, remember this simple ratio — tested and trusted by sports nutritionists:
Carbs: 3–4 grams per 1 gram of protein (3:1 or 4:1 ratio)
Protein: 20–30g per serving
Fats: Small amount of healthy fats (nuts, seeds, or avocado) for hormone support and satiety
Liquids: Water, milk, or a plant-based alternative to blend smoothly
Electrolytes: Coconut water, salt, or natural fruit sources (like banana or date)
These recipes are inspired by endurance athletes, triathletes, and pro riders around the world. Each one targets a specific recovery goal — from glycogen restoration to inflammation reduction.
Goal: Fast recovery + muscle repair
Why it works: Chocolate milk’s natural carb-protein ratio makes it a proven post-ride favourite.
Ingredients:
2 cups low-fat chocolate milk
1 scoop vanilla whey protein
½ banana
1 tsp cocoa powder
Handful of ice cubes
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of sea salt if you’ve been sweating heavily.
Goal: Fight inflammation
Why it works: Blueberries and ginger reduce oxidative stress from long rides.
Ingredients:
1 cup kefir or Greek yogurt
1 scoop protein powder
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ frozen banana
½ tsp ginger powder
1 tbsp almond butter
Ice as needed
Goal: Reduce soreness
Why it works: Tart cherries contain anthocyanins that aid muscle recovery.
Ingredients:
⅔ cup frozen tart cherries
½ banana
1 tbsp chia seeds
8 oz tart cherry juice
1 scoop unflavoured protein powder
1 tbsp almonds
Goal: Improve blood flow
Why it works: Beets are rich in nitrates, improving oxygen delivery to muscles.
Ingredients:
1 small cooked beet
¼ cup pomegranate juice
1 scoop protein powder
¼ cup tart cherries
1 tbsp walnuts
Ice to taste
Goal: Lactose-free recovery
Why it works: Almond milk + flax seeds = clean, plant-based fuel.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp raw cacao
2 pitted dates
1 tbsp almond butter
¼ tsp cinnamon
Goal: Rehydrate and refuel
Why it works: Pineapple and coconut water replace lost electrolytes.
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut water
½ cup pineapple chunks
½ banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tsp honey
Goal: Long-lasting satiety
Why it works: Peanut butter adds protein, fat, and flavour.
Ingredients:
1½ cups milk
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 scoop chocolate protein
1 banana
1 tsp honey
Goal: Wake up the legs
Why it works: Caffeine aids glycogen restoration and improves mood.
Ingredients:
1 cup cold brew coffee
1 scoop vanilla or mocha protein
1 banana
½ cup milk or oat milk
1 tsp cocoa
Goal: Rebalance vitamins
Why it works: Spinach and apple combine fiber, carbs, and micronutrients.
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
½ green apple
½ cucumber
½ lemon juice
1 scoop protein powder
1 cup water
Goal: Refill glycogen stores
Why it works: Oats give slow-releasing carbs for endurance recovery.
Ingredients:
½ cup rolled oats
1 scoop protein
1 banana
1 tsp peanut butter
1 cup milk
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Cycling recovery doesn’t have to be expensive. In Bangladesh, fresh fruits, local dairy, and traditional ingredients make excellent low-cost alternatives. These recipes are simple, locally available, and tailored for real riders — from city commuters to Foodpanda couriers.
Why it works: Bananas are Bangladesh’s ultimate cycling fuel — cheap, available everywhere, and loaded with potassium.
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
1 glass cow’s milk
1 tbsp sugar or honey
A pinch of salt
Why it works: Dates (khejur) provide instant glucose and minerals.
Ingredients:
4 dates (soaked)
1 cup milk
1 tsp chia or flax seeds
Ice as needed
Why it works: Mangoes offer antioxidants, carbs, and tropical flavour.
Ingredients:
1 ripe mango
1 scoop milk powder or ½ cup milk
1 tbsp sugar or jaggery
A pinch of salt
Why it works: Fresh coconut water restores electrolytes naturally.
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut water
½ cup coconut milk fat (malai)
½ banana
1 tsp honey
Why it works: Inspired by street food flavour — a mix of energy and indulgence.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup milk
1 banana
1 tsp peanut butter
1 tsp sugar
Why it works: Guava boosts Vitamin C and hydration post-ride.
Ingredients:
1 ripe guava (seed removed)
1 tbsp sugar or honey
½ cup water
Ice as needed
Why it works: Tamarind (tetul) helps with electrolyte balance and tangy refreshment.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp tamarind pulp
1 cup cold water
1 tbsp sugar
A pinch of salt
½ tsp chia seeds
Why it works: Combines yogurt’s probiotics with banana’s carbs.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup sour curd (doi)
½ cup cold water
1 tsp honey or sugar
Dash of cardamom
Why it works: Gur (jaggery) offers natural iron and slow-releasing sugar energy.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp grated jaggery
1 cup milk
1 banana
1 tbsp oats
Why it works: Citrus Sweet Orange (malta) restores Vitamin C and hydration quickly.
Ingredients:
Juice of 1 malta
1 tbsp sugar
½ cup cold water
1 pinch salt
Prep Before You Ride:
Freeze fruit portions or store pre-mixed powder bags — so blending post-ride is effortless.
Drink Within 20 Minutes:
That’s when your muscles are most receptive.
Stay Hydrated:
Mix coconut water or salt to replace sodium loss, especially in Bangladesh’s humid weather.
Adjust Ratios:
Short ride? Focus on hydration. Long ride (3+ hours)? Increase carb load in your smoothie.
Smoothies aren’t just trendy drinks — they’re liquid recovery strategies.
For cyclists, especially those training or delivering daily under heat and fatigue, they’re the simplest, most effective way to rebuild and recharge.
Whether you’re blending a beetroot smoothie in Dhaka or a chocolate protein shake in Kyoto, the goal is the same:
recover better, ride stronger, and keep your wheels whispering forward.
So, next time you finish a ride — don’t collapse on the couch.
Grab your blender, toss in what’s local, and let the sound of your smoothie remind you: recovery is part of the ride.
I am Dedicating this to BSME2E…
(Why that cold can of Coke isn’t just a guilty pleasure — it’s a smart mid-ride strategy.)
Let’s be honest: there’s something almost magical about cracking open a can of cola when you’re 80 kilometers deep into a hot, gruelling ride.
That hiss of carbonation. The rush of sweetness. The sudden spark of energy that makes your tired legs remember what they were built for.
It’s not just in your head. There’s real science behind why so many cyclists — from weekend warriors to Tour de France pros — swear by cola mid-ride.
It’s not about taste or nostalgia. It’s about chemistry, timing, and how your body responds to sugar and caffeine when fatigue sets in.
Let’s unpack this bubbly phenomenon and see why that simple soda has earned a place in the cyclist’s toolkit.
After two or more hours in the saddle, your glycogen stores — the body’s “battery” for endurance — start running dangerously low.
Your muscles begin crying out for quick, easily digestible energy. And your brain, deprived of glucose, starts whispering: “Stop pedalling. Sit down. You’re done.”
That’s when cola becomes your superhero in a red cape.
Here’s why:
| Ingredient | Function | What It Does for Cyclists |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar (glucose + fructose) | Rapid energy | Quickly replenishes depleted glycogen stores and powers your working muscles |
| Caffeine | Mental + physical stimulant | Boosts alertness, reduces perceived exertion, and encourages fat utilization |
| Carbonation | Slight GI stimulant | Helps settle mild stomach discomfort and speeds gastric emptying for faster absorption |
| Sodium (in small amounts) | Electrolyte | Aids hydration and muscle contraction |
Each 330ml can of cola contains roughly 39 grams of sugar and about 32–35mg of caffeine — not extreme, but just enough to wake up your muscles and mind.
💡 Fun Fact: Studies show caffeine can improve endurance performance by 2–5%, even in small doses, which is why many cyclists save their “cola shot” for the final push.
You might be surprised that sports scientists have actually studied Coke as a performance enhancer — and the results are fascinating.
A landmark research paper titled
“Effect of different protocols of caffeine intake on metabolism and endurance performance”
looked at how caffeine and sugar intake (specifically through cola) impacted cyclists during long rides.
Here’s what the studies revealed:
Study A:
12 trained cyclists were given 2 × 5ml/kg of Cola during the last 40 minutes of a 2-hour steady-state (SS) ride followed by a time trial (TT).
🔹 Result: Time trial performance improved by 3.1% compared to no-caffeine trials.
Study B:
8 cyclists consumed a caffeinated 11% carbohydrate Cola in the final 40 minutes of a similar endurance session.
🔹 Result: Performance improved by 3.3%.
📊 Conclusion:
Replacing your usual sports drink with cola in the final stages of a long ride gives comparable or even superior endurance benefits, largely because of its fast sugar absorption and mild caffeine boost (around 1.5 mg/kg body weight).
Let’s break down the pros and cons compared to standard cycling fuels.
| Feature | Cola | Sports Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs (per 330ml) | 39g (mostly simple sugars) | 20–25g (mix of simple + complex carbs) |
| Caffeine | 32–35mg | Often none, or 25–75mg (varies) |
| Electrolytes | Minimal | Usually balanced (Na, K, Mg) |
| Energy Absorption Speed | Very fast | Moderate |
| Taste + Enjoyment Factor | Sweet, familiar, refreshing | Functional, sometimes bland |
| Best Use | Mid-to-late ride energy rescue | Sustained energy throughout ride |
🧠 Key takeaway:
Sports drinks are great for maintaining steady energy levels.
But when you hit the wall, cola acts like a turbo button — flooding your bloodstream with glucose and caffeine just when you need it most.
Cola isn’t meant to replace your regular hydration and fuelling — it’s a strategic weapon.
Timing and portion control make all the difference.
During the last 25–40 km of a long endurance ride or race.
When your usual energy gels feel heavy or you can’t stomach another bar.
Right before a major climb or sprint finish.
At the start of your ride — it’ll spike your blood sugar too early, causing a crash later.
On short (<60 min) rides — your body doesn’t need it yet.
When dehydrated — cola lacks electrolytes, so drink water or a sports mix alongside.
150–200ml (half a small can) is usually enough to trigger the effect.
You can flatten the cola (stir out the fizz) beforehand if carbonation upsets your stomach.
Chilled cola works wonders on hot days — it cools your core temperature and refreshes your senses instantly.
Not a fan of traditional Coke? No problem. You can get the same benefits from other sources:
Natural Cola variants – organic cola drinks with real cane sugar or natural caffeine.
Caffeinated sports drinks – like Tailwind Caffeinated or SIS Beta Fuel + Caffeine.
Energy gels with caffeine – compact and easy to carry, though less refreshing.
Maple water or coconut water with espresso shot – DIY natural endurance fuel.
Cold coffee + electrolyte drink mix – great for long hot rides.
🔍 Note: Some cyclists even mix cola half-and-half with water or isotonic drinks to reduce sugar concentration while keeping that caffeine kick.
Like any tool, cola works best when used strategically, not excessively.
Cola is rescue fuel, not your everyday nutrition plan. Overusing it may cause sugar dependency and GI distress on long rides.
Some riders love the fizz — it helps burp out stomach gas and reduces bloating.
Others hate it — it causes discomfort during climbs. Try both and see what works for you.
Cola is acidic and sugary, so rinse your mouth with water after drinking to protect your enamel, especially during multi-hour rides.
Since cola lacks sodium and potassium, always chase it with a sip of water or an electrolyte mix.
A little goes a long way. Too much sugar at once can spike insulin and cause a rebound crash mid-ride.
If you’ve ever watched the Tour de France, you’ve likely seen soigneurs (team helpers) handing cans of Coke to exhausted riders during the final climbs or time trials.
Even pros who train with precision fuelling plans still use cola as their “emergency turbo fuel.”
💬 “After five hours, nothing tastes better than a Coke,” said one World Tour rider.
“It wakes you up, lifts your spirits, and gets your legs firing again.”
So, if the best in the world trust it for that final push, there’s definitely something in the science — and the sensation.
Cola isn’t a miracle drink — it’s a finely timed tool for when fatigue, hunger, and dehydration converge.
Used wisely, it can give you that 3–5% performance edge when it matters most.
Think of it as:
A mental reset button for your focus,
A quick energy refill for your muscles, and
A cooling reward that keeps you rolling strong to the finish.
So next time you’re out on a long ride, tuck a mini can of cola in your jersey pocket or plan a café stop that serves it chilled.
When the miles start biting and motivation fades, that red can might just save your ride.
Because sometimes… science tastes a lot like happiness in a can. 🥤✨
As we all know AI is the new trend and technology with a lot of benefits and little disadvantage, it has helped ease a lot of issue and questions that are complex to solve or answer…
Let’s be honest — few things feel worse on a ride than bonking.
And no, we’re not talking about bumping your head or anything risqué — we mean that awful, empty, dizzy, lightheaded moment when your body runs out of fuel and your legs suddenly feel like blocks of concrete.
Every cyclist — from casual weekend riders to pro racers — has experienced this energy crash at least once. It’s your body’s desperate way of saying, “I’m out of glycogen, buddy — feed me or I’m done.”
The good news?
Bonking is totally preventable.
All it takes is smart, steady fueling — and the right snacks at the right time.
Whether you’re preparing for a 20 km joyride, a 100 km endurance ride, or a full-day delivery shift on two wheels, what you eat during your ride matters just as much as what you eat before or after it.
Cycling burns calories fast — anywhere between 400 to 800 calories per hour, depending on speed, terrain, and body weight.
Most of that energy comes from glycogen, the carbohydrate fuel stored in your muscles and liver.
But here’s the catch: your body only stores enough glycogen for about 90–120 minutes of moderate-intensity riding. After that, your tank runs dry — unless you start refueling while still pedaling.
That’s where snacks come in.
Think of them as mini refills for your engine — small, frequent bites that keep energy levels steady, prevent fatigue, and maintain mental focus.
The key is finding the right balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and protein — and choosing snacks that are:
Easy to digest
Easy to carry
Easy to eat mid-ride (without stopping or unwrapping ten layers of plastic)
Before fancy gels and energy bars, cyclists relied on real food — fruits, nuts, and grains.
Turns out, nature already had the perfect formula for endurance energy.
These snacks are simple, affordable, and eco-friendly — plus, they don’t require any chemical additives or artificial flavours.
If cycling had a mascot, it might be the banana.
It’s portable, cheap, biodegradable, and perfectly shaped for jersey pockets (even if it does get a little mashed sometimes).
A single banana provides:
25–30 grams of carbohydrates
400–450 mg of potassium
Natural sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) that digest quickly
Zero fat and minimal fiber, so it won’t upset your stomach
👉 Pro Tip: Eat half a banana every 30–40 minutes on long rides to keep energy levels stable.
Yes, it might turn into banana mush after an hour in your pocket, but trust me — it’s still worth it. Just don’t lean back with it still in your jersey… that’s a mistake many of us have made more than once!
Dates are essentially natural energy bars.
Each one packs about 20 grams of sugar, along with potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They digest faster than you’d expect and provide a steady glucose release — making them ideal for sustained endurance.
They’re also:
Easy to chew mid-ride
Shelf-stable in heat
Deliciously sweet and satisfying
👉 Cyclist Tip: Mix dates with a few almonds or a sprinkle of salt to create a balanced mini-snack that adds electrolytes and slows the sugar spike.
Follow it up with unsweetened tea or water to rinse away the sticky residue — your dentist will thank you.
Sometimes you don’t want “nutrition.” You want something that works — fast.
That’s where simple sugars come in. They get absorbed quickly into your bloodstream and deliver an instant boost when your energy dips.
These aren’t necessarily “healthy,” but they are practical — and sometimes lifesaving during long climbs or unexpected bonks.
Let’s be honest — cyclists and kids share one thing in common: a love for gummy candy.
Five to seven gummies can provide 25–30 grams of carbs, roughly equivalent to one energy gel, but at a fraction of the price.
They’re also:
Pocket-proof: they don’t melt or leak
Customizable: you can portion exactly how much you need
Mood-lifting: there’s something mentally energizing about eating candy during a tough ride
👉 Pro Tip: Alternate between gummies and water or electrolyte drink to avoid sticky fingers and sugar crashes.
On scorching days, nothing feels better than an ice pop after a hot climb.
Each pop has around 8–12 grams of carbs, which isn’t much, but the cooling effect can make a huge difference in comfort and performance.
Just skip the creamy ice creams — dairy and fat slow digestion, which isn’t ideal mid-ride.
Stick to water- or fruit-based popsicles when possible.
After an hour or two of sweet snacks, your taste buds start to revolt. That’s when salty, savoury options come to the rescue. They not only satisfy cravings but also help replenish sodium, one of the key electrolytes lost through sweat.
A classic endurance snack that delivers a mix of fast and slow-release energy.
A good trail mix usually contains:
Nuts (for healthy fats and protein)
Seeds (for minerals like magnesium)
Dried fruits (for natural sugar)
A hint of chocolate or granola (for quick carbs)
It’s stable in heat, doesn’t get squished, and you can customize it endlessly.
👉 Pro Tip: Pre-portion your trail mix into small bags or pouches — about a handful (100–150 calories) every hour. Avoid overdoing the nuts; too much fat can slow digestion mid-ride.
High in protein, rich in sodium, and conveniently shelf-stable — jerky is an excellent mid-ride snack if you’re craving something hearty.
It’s not an energy source like carbs, but it helps balance your nutrition during long, slow rides or bikepacking trips.
👉 Note: Drink plenty of water when eating jerky — its salt content can dehydrate you if you’re already sweating heavily.
Pretzels are basically edible salt tablets. They’re light, dry, and provide just enough carbs to keep your legs spinning.
A few handfuls can deliver 30–40 grams of carbs and a solid sodium boost — ideal for hot-weather rides.
Choose smaller pretzel sticks or bites for easier handling mid-ride.
(And maybe skip the giant Bavarian pretzel unless you want to look like a Tour de France mascot.)
Pre-packaged bars are convenient, but making your own snacks saves money and gives you full control over ingredients. Plus, there’s a certain pride in knowing you made your own cycling fuel.
A staple for many cyclists in the UK — and for good reason.
Flapjacks are dense, customizable, and packed with slow-release energy.
Typical ingredients:
Oats
Honey or syrup
Butter or nut butter
Dried fruits or chocolate chips
They’re budget-friendly alternatives to energy bars, and you can cut them into bite-sized portions that fit perfectly in your jersey pocket.
👉 Pro Tip: Wrap them individually in baking paper to prevent sticky pocket disasters.
Ever wonder what those pros in the Tour de France are eating mid-race? Often, it’s rice cakes.
These aren’t your supermarket crispy rice crackers — they’re soft, sticky squares of cooked rice mixed with a touch of sugar, salt, and flavorings (like honey, cocoa, or even peanut butter).
They’re:
Easy to digest
Moist and hydrating
Naturally gluten-free
👉 Try mixing in crushed Oreos or Nutella for a morale boost on tough rides. (Yes, pro teams do this too!)
PB&J is one of cycling’s oldest, most reliable snacks.
It offers the perfect combination of:
Carbs (from bread and jam)
Protein and fat (from peanut butter)
Salt and sweetness (for taste and electrolyte balance)
Cut it into halves or quarters and wrap it tightly in foil or wax paper.
Each sandwich provides around 300–350 calories — ideal for rides over 2 hours.
Don’t underestimate hydration. Your snacks work best when paired with fluids.
Water → Always your foundation.
Electrolyte drinks → Replace lost sodium and potassium.
Coconut water → Natural electrolyte source, slightly sweet.
Homemade mix: 500 ml water + pinch of salt + spoon of honey + lemon juice = simple isotonic drink.
Here’s the golden rule:
Don’t wait until you’re hungry to eat.
By the time you feel the hunger, you’re already behind on energy.
Start fueling early, especially for rides over 60 minutes.
⏱️ Guideline:
Eat 30–60 grams of carbs every hour of cycling.
Start after the first 30 minutes, then top up regularly.
That’s roughly:
1 banana
or 5–7 gummies
or a small handful of trail mix
or half a PB&J sandwich
Consistency beats quantity — a small snack every 20–30 minutes is better than one big meal every two hours.
At the end of the day, the best snack is the one you’ll actually eat.
Every cyclist’s body is unique — some digest fruits easily, others prefer bars or sandwiches. The trick is to experiment during training, not on race day.
Remember:
Start eating early
Stay hydrated
Balance sweet and salty
Carry more than you think you’ll need
And above all — never let yourself bonk.
Because once your glycogen runs out, no amount of motivational quotes can get your legs turning again.
So pack those snacks, fuel like a pro, and let every ride feel like the best version of you — energized, prepared, and unstoppable.
This Diwali, through my passion project Crafticrazy_710, I chose to spread happiness in a heartfelt way — by giving handmade Diwali faral and small gifts to bring smiles to others. My aim was not just to celebrate the festival of lights but to share its true spirit — joy, kindness, and togetherness. Every packet I prepared carried a piece of love, effort, and the message that even small gestures can create big happiness. This project reflects my belief that creativity and compassion together can light up someone’s Diwali in the most beautiful way. ✨💛
It was 11:59 p.m. when my phone vibrated with a WhatsApp Message.
Pickup: Muradpur
Drop-off: Hill Top Park, near Boktiar Para, Anwara
Payment: Taka 1000 (cash) — urgent delivery
And then the note —
“Please deliver no matter what. I’ll wait outside. Important parcel, don’t delay.”
For a long moment, my fingers hovering over to type Accept/Decline.
Even through the screen’s pale glow, something about that message felt wrong. The way “no matter what” was written — desperate, almost pleading.
I remembered my cycling group’s riders warning from earlier that week:
“Bro, avoid Hill Top Park after midnight. Spirits roam there.”
But a thousand taka for one drop? I needed it. My Tetulia–Teknaf ride fund was bleeding dry.
And so — like a fool warmed by greed and caffeine — I typed order Accepted.
The city was unnervingly still.
Muradpur’s chaos had thinned to whispers — shutters half-closed, tea stalls empty, stray dogs watching with cautious eyes.
At the junction, beneath a flickering light that buzzed like an insect dying, an old man waited.
He wasn’t drinking tea.
He wasn’t even blinking.
Just waiting.
When he saw my delivery bag, he smiled — slow, cracked, and lifeless.
“You’re the rider?” His voice rasped, like sand dragged across glass.
“Yes, sir. Hill Top Park, right?”
He nodded and handed me a brown parcel — wrapped in paper too brittle for this age, tied with a jute string, and sealed with candle wax instead of tape.
The faint smell of incense clung to it — not the sweet temple kind, but something old, something burnt out too many times.
“Be careful,” he whispered. “Don’t open it. And don’t stop.”
I tried to joke — “Sure thing, sir. Just another night shift.”
His stare didn’t break. “No. This is the only one tonight.”
Before I could speak, he turned into the alley.
By the time I blinked, he was gone.
The fog thickened the further I rode, wrapping around my headlight like wet gauze. Every sound felt sharper — the chain’s metallic rhythm, the crunch of gravel, the slow drag of my breath inside the helmet.
By Bahaddarhat, the air had changed — colder, heavier. I could taste rust and salt.
Under Shah Amanat Bridge, my headlight swept across a figure sitting alone — a woman in a faded red saree, her back turned.
I slowed down, instinctively cautious.
Then she lifted her face toward me.
Her eyes —
not eyes.
Empty glass marbles reflecting my light back at me.
Her skin too smooth, too pale, as if wax had replaced flesh.
I swerved, tires screeching, heart slamming against my ribs.
The sound echoed for too long.
When I dared to glance back —
she was gone.
Only the faint echo of a child’s giggle lingered under the bridge, as though it had been waiting for me to pass.
At Daulatpur, the parcel on my back shifted.
Just slightly — like something inside had moved.
I stopped under a streetlight.
The paper was dry, the wax unbroken — yet the weight was… different.
Then my phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: +8801*******666, I answered.
Static, then a whisper so thin it barely sounded human:
“Almost there… right? Don’t stop. He’s hungry.”
My breath caught. “Who is this?”
No reply.
Just the faint sound of… chewing. Wet. Slow. Then the line died.
I checked the call log.
No record.
By the time I reached Anwara, the world had turned grey. The road shimmered with fog; trees leaned over like silent spectators. My tires made no sound, though I was still moving.
That’s when I heard it —
the click-click-click of another cycle chain behind me.
Steady.
Rhythmic.
Matching my pace exactly.
I turned.
Empty road.
I pedaled faster.
So did it.
Click-click-click.
Closer.
I stopped abruptly.
Silence.
But on the wet asphalt behind my wheel —
bare footprints.
Small. Muddy. Fresh.
And the parcel on my back was warm.
When I finally reached Boktiar Para, the lone streetlight flickered like a dying pulse. Ahead loomed the gate — tall, rusted, its sign barely legible:
HILL TOP PARK
The air was thick with incense and something else — the sickly-sweet odor of rot covered by perfume.
My phone buzzed again.
A message.
“I’m waiting. At the top of the stairs.”
The mist parted, revealing a shadow of a mansion at the hill’s crest.
Its windows were dark except one — glowing faintly yellow.
I should’ve turned back.
But Taka 1000… and my stubborn dream of Tetulia to Teknaf…
So I climbed.
Each pedal stroke up that cracked driveway felt wrong. The earth seemed to pull my wheels down. The grass whispered as I passed, as if murmuring finally.
She was waiting.
The woman. The same red saree. The same glassy eyes.
“You brought it,” she said softly. Her voice was the same whisper from the call. “Thank you.”
My throat dried. “What… what is this parcel?”
She didn’t answer. Her trembling hand reached for the brown wrapping — and the paper peeled itself open, soundless.
Inside was a bowl of rice and steak, untouched, perfectly preserved, with an incense stick upright in the middle.
It lit itself.
The smoke coiled upward — and in it, a man’s face began to form.
Eyes sunken. Jaw slack.
Then the mouth opened, wider, wider, stretching past what bone should allow — until it became a void that breathed.
The woman turned to it and whispered, “He’s home now.”
The void lunged.
The air collapsed.
The smell — incense and rot — filled my lungs, choking me.
I fell backward, tumbling down the stairs. My bike crashed beside me.
Then —
blackness.
When I opened my eyes, the sun was rising over the hills.
Birds sang.
The mansion was gone. Only cracked stone and vines remained.
My delivery bag was empty.
The order? Vanished from my phone.
No number, no chat history.
But when I opened my wallet —
Taka 1000.
Old, yellowed notes.
Crisp but fragile.
Smelling faintly of burnt incense.
That night, I couldn’t sleep.
Because from the corridor outside my door came a sound —
click… click… click…
A cycle chain. Slowly turning.
I checked the clock: 3:12 a.m.
No one was there.
But on the floor — faint muddy footprints, small and bare.
A week later, I passed Hill Top Park again during a daylight delivery.
Curiosity gnawed at me.
The gate was sealed with rusted chains.
I asked a fruit seller nearby, “There used to be a house here, right?”
He frowned. “House? Nah, burned down years ago.”
I felt my skin tighten. “What about the woman in red?”
His knife slipped from his hand.
“You… saw her?”
He lowered his voice.
“Every Hungry Ghost Month, she waits for someone to bring food for her husband. The last rider never returns whole.”
As I turned to leave, I felt warmth in my pocket.
The old notes.
Hot — almost burning.
Up the hill, behind the shattered windows, something flickered — a hint of red fabric fluttering in a wind that didn’t exist.
And faintly, from behind me — click… click… click…
The sound of a chain matching my heartbeat.
I never look back now.
Because once, when I did…
I saw her reflection in my rear light.
Smiling.
Holding the bowl of rice.
And whispering — “You’re next, rider.”