That Night on Hunter's Street

Arrival

Sam landed at the Durban International Airport and headed out of the terminal to board a taxi. His apartment was situated behind the Moses Mabhida Stadium. He was somehow very pleased with the fact that his work place and apartment were not located close by.

After sitting in the taxi, he looked out of the window. It was 5 pm and the sun was about to set. As he rolled down the window, a gush of cold air greeted his disturbed face. He closed his eyes as if he was reminded of something and there appeared a soft smile on his lips followed by a sense of calmness on his face which perhaps no one had seen in the past few years.

Sam was forty two, an American, with fair skin and light blue eyes. He was tall, well built and very handsome. His parents had died in a car accident when he was two. He was raised in an orphanage and was a bright student throughout his educational life. He joined a publishing company in New York after completing his education and was a successful editor there. But this was what everyone knew. He never spoke about his growing up years, always avoiding conversations which led to his past.

Sam was still lost in thought when the taxi came to a halt. He woke up from his dream and sat still for a moment. “Nothing has changed”, he thought.

He paid the driver and headed towards his apartment. He unlocked the door and entered the flat. It was well furnished with three rooms. He was still having a look when someone rang the bell.

On opening the door, he saw an elderly woman standing there. She appeared to be in her sixties, short statured with a wrinkled face and curly brown hair neatly tied up in a bun. She was smiling at him and Sam could see a spark in her eyes.

“Mr. Samuel Jones?”, she asked.

“Yes, but I am sorry, I don't think I know you ma'am”, Sam replied politely.

“Oh, how will you know me when this is the first time we are meeting”, she entered the flat while saying this and Sam was still looking at her, puzzled.

“Well, I am Sarah. You can call me Mrs. Smith. I am your neighbour and you know what? I am really excited today not just because someone has finally come to stay here but also because I wanted to explore this place,I mean, your flat,since a long time. It has a beautiful interior, don't you think?”, Mrs. Smith was staring at each and every object very intently. She seemed very fascinated with the entire arrangement.

She rushed on to say,” Oh I am so sorry! Did I speak too much? My husband always complains that I speak a lot. Well, look, there’s a wedding ring on your finger. Where's your wife? Ah, a good looking man like you must be taken by now. I...”

“Mrs. Smith! “, Sam interrupted. “That was really kind of you to come here and meet me or rather, um, see this flat but I had a very long journey and I urgently need some rest. My wife will be coming here soon. You can meet her then. She would love your company. I hope am not being rude?”

“No, no dear, not at all. I am leaving. You should take rest and do let me know if you need something”.

“Sure, Mrs. Smith.”

Sam closed the door after Mrs. Smith left. He was undoubtedly tired but was equally amused by the old lady.

“Poor Mr. Smith! His wife indeed has a lot to say.”, thought Sam.

He went on to change his clothes and called up Grace as he lay on his bed.

“Hello Sam, did you reach?”, she answered.

“Yes, yes and I had quite an experience here.”

“Already?”, Grace sounded worried but she relaxed when she heard her husband laughing.

“I have found a good company for you Grace. You will never get bored and you don’t have to speak much too”, Sam burst into laughter.

“What are you talking about?”

“Wait till you find out yourself”.

“Fine, so you are joining office tomorrow?”

Sam stopped laughing. He felt as if someone had thrust a knife into his heart.

“I...ye..ah! Off..ice...”

“What happened Sam? You always sound lost whenever someone talks about your new office.

“No...nothing! I need to sleep now. Will call you back later.”, Sam disconnected the phone.

He lay still on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling above him. His hands were trembling and his forehead was covered with beads of sweat.

“I wonder if it’s still there! No, it can’t be...it’s not supposed to be. That was twenty years back. Everything must have changed by now...bo..un..d to ch..an..ge!”, Sam mumbled off to sleep.