SUNSET

It is that time of year again. Sun is disappearing into the sea. The sky is orange or maybe you could call it red. I am at the same spot. It is the same date and hour. The minutes creep closer.

It is the same place. It hasn’t changed except for a few new bushes. The same rocks, the same waves. Even the sea gulls sing the same song. I am standing where I stood that day and the same wind blows my hair into my eyes.

It’s a ritual to come here on this day. They try to stop me, but I manage to escape. I have to come here. I have to assure myself that I haven’t lost my senses. I try not to forget even though that is what the doctors tell me to do. I don’t want to forget the only piece of memory which keeps me alive.

Darkness starts to settle in even though the sun is still out. I can see the spot where he stood last. His hair was flying all over. His hair was the best part of him- wavy and long. We had taken a walk to the cliff. He used to hate heights but he seemed calm then. He was smiling a lot. Something I hadn’t seen in a long time. All through the walk we had talked about life, dreams and how to make them come true. He told me to live my dreams and not let anyone stop me. He told me to fall in love and break my neck. Also, I remember something else he said, “No matter what happens, don’t loose control”. Didn’t make any sense then, but now its clear.

The sun had set by now. He moved to the edge and looked down. Then turned and stood facing me. He smiled and said “Take care of mom and dad”, and then he stepped back and disappeared into the darkness. I couldn’t scream. There was no sound. I guess I had fainted. The rain woke me up. I looked over the edge but it was pitch black and couldn’t see a thing. Suddenly, lightening came and I saw his shirt, the blue and white one, soaked in blood. I sat there till they found me the next day.

Rest is oblivion. Nothing much to remember. Questions of how and why. Police enquiries and investigations. Suspicions and doubts. Then they send me to an asylum with white walls and doors. The psychiatrist had been of no use. The shocks were most painful, the pills most bitter. I was locked up most of the time in a white room. I wore a white dress. Mom came to visit at times. I have no idea where dad is.

I come here every year. Last year I managed to escape the guards. But this time it was tougher with people watching all the time. They know where to find me.

I come here to see my brother. He looks the same as he did on that day. His favourite shirt all ironed and crisp. His long hair flying everywhere. He can be seen only during sunset. So I am here when the sun sets. He is talking to me about life, dreams and how to make them come true.