Arnav made his way, trying to forget the foolish girl he met just a few minutes back.

What was she thinking by standing in between the tracks when the train was zooming towards to her? He cursed under his breath for her being irresponsible.

The images of what happened a while ago were still running in his mind. At first, he was shocked when he found a girl amidst the tracks. He screamed at the top of his lungs calling her to move away. But his voice only fell on deaf ears. He wondered whether she was a suicide case.

Ordinarily, he wouldn't have gotten involved. But when she didn't make any move, he jumped into action. When he reached her side, he heard her scream and pulled her aside before the train could hit her.

Her scream muffled in his chest, and she'd been shaking vigorously. He too breathed heavily but nothing had been registered as she hugged him tightly. Something triggered inside him as she hugged him as if her life depended on him. Then he felt a bump on his stomach and then a bark.

That's when he snapped out of his reverie and realized the situation.

He left her immediately and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He shouted at her for being careless. But what he didn't expect was for her to shout back at him.

She was foolish, he thought.

Who the hell stands in between the tracks to save a pup? He realized it when he saw the pup in her hands when she turned to leave. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, remembering how she shared her joy with the pup for being alive.

He understood why she did so. He might not admit to anyone, but he liked her for being selfless. He was a little-stunned knowing she'd put her own life at risk for saving a small creature. But she needed to know how dangerous it is to stand in between the tracks.

She's sassy. She yelled and spoke sarcastically to him. That's a first. She riled him a bit but thinking about her now, he thought she was cute...

"Wait," he said to himself, stopping in his tracks. What the hell was he thinking? How could he think about a stranger, that too a foolish one, cute? He scolded himself at where his thoughts were going. It's again a first.

'Admit that she's cute and... beautiful,' a voice at the back of his mind said.

Arnav wondered when his mind started to concentrate on girls. He must admit she was beautiful with her big doe eyes, thin lips and round face.

He was amused when she stuttered as he towered over her. But covered up immediately. He again recalled the way she hugged him and fitted perfectly in his arms.

'You must have just stayed like that...'

His eyes widened at what his mind suggested.

What the heck? he thought.

Suddenly, someone closed his eyes. Instantly, he knew who it was and played along. He covered the person small hands with his and spoke, "Oh no! Are these bones or what?"

He heard the person loud gasp and leave him immediately, as he continued, "I think I need to check my face with the doctor later if there was any damage done."

"Bhai (Brother),"

He was turned around by his angry sister, Lavanya. He laughed as she continuously hit his chest. "I hate you," she said, as she continued to assault with her small hands.

Arnav stopped her by holding her hands. "Welcome home dear Choti (little one). I love you too," he said, hugging her.

"I hate you," she said again but smiled hugging back.

"I know how much you hate me. Where is your brother?" he asked.

"Here..."

Arnav heard his friend's voice behind him. He turned around to find his best friend, with a bag around his neck and a luggage on one hand and one more also on his head.

"Carrying my baby sister luggage," Akash said throwing a glare at his sister. She just gave him a sweet smile of hers.

"Truth to be told. You fit perfectly in this role," Arnav commented.

"Yeah right," Akash scowled, "You can compliment me later. First, help me with this damn bag," he said trying balance the one on his head.

Arnav quickly took hold of it and settled it on the ground. Akash sighed in relief.

"God! What is there in that? It's heavy," Akash asked.

"Bhai... I'd been away from you both for two long years. Instead of being happy, you are bothered about my luggage. I am hurt," she said giving her back to both of her brothers.

Akash rolled his eyes. But yes, he was happy to have his baby sister back with him.

Arnav smiled lightly at her act. "Of course! We love you, Choti," he said coming in front of her and kissed her forehead. She hugged him smiling, just when his eyes collided with 'her'.

The foolish one.

She was throwing daggers on his way with so much wrath. But why? he thought confused.

"Let's go now. We can have all the drama at home," Akash said.

Arnav turned his gaze to have a look at his friend. But when he glanced back, she disappeared.

Shaking his head, he left the railway station, silently wishing to not see her again.

━─━────

Author's Note:

Hello, my lovely readers,

So, what do you think? Arnav thinks 'she' is foolish *laughing out loud*. What is your opinion?

Thank you, one and all reading my book. It means a lot to me. I would really appreciate your comments.

Best,

Revathi.