I began calculating and engrossed myself in the upcoming expenditure during this travelling. I had always thought that first I wanted to explore every nook and corner of my country, Paradise Falls. This place was majestically gifted with nature. It was nature's favourite country. From the mountains to beaches to deserts to heavenly landmark fields to exotic food tastes enriched with love and culture. You name it and it offered to you everything and more than you had wished for. It was truly nature's favourite realm.

I was so busy in minding my own business that I didn't notice that he was coughing, sometimes light and then loud.

Maybe to get my attention?

I asked politely, 'do you need cough syrup or something?'

Still lightly coughing, 'you have?'

'No, but you can ask that lady with a child. She surely must be having.'

He gave a brief look to that lady who was currently trying to make her baby sleep.

'Naah, I am good and moreover, I only prefer Mucinex DM, I can't compromise with quality.'

Okay, no problem. 'Good for you.'

Whenever I meet a stranger, I always observed that person. Getting to know the person, the way he or she behaved, how that person talks and therefore, I will prefer to give curt and short replies.

'Hi, I am Dexter Ray. You seem very busy in some sought of map work' He leaned closer, way too close, 'what are you marking on the map'?

I am having that uncomfortable feeling so, with all politeness; I said to him, 'Hi Dexter, you are invading my personal space. Just back off a little bit.'

'Oh! Am I? I didn't notice.' He said with a slight smirk.

'Oh is it! I think you have weak eyesight. Looking at your condition of coughing and eyesight, you must consult a doctor.'

'Ha-ha, you must be joking.' He faked a laugh.

With all seriousness, I said, 'do I look like I am joking?'

'You don't seem like a very chatty person'. He tried to make conversation playful.

Oh boy, you have no idea!

'I do only when I get comfortable.' And I again started marking my destination on maps.

'Oh! So are you feminist kind of types? Hating men and not talking to them?'

This caught my attention and I looked at him flabbergasted, 'What????? What on earth are you talking about?'

Is he real?

'Yeah, you seem so busy giving me all curt replies.' He was stating obvious.

'First of all, I don't know what your definition of feminism is but I don't hate men. I told you when I will feel comfortable I will talk to you. Isn't that simple?'

'Oh right! Mostly I always make such a strong impression on others that conversation starts happening in a flow. I don't have to initiate it.' What was he trying to imply?

And man, you really have made an impression.

'Looks like, you had like-minded company when your conversation speeds in a bullet train.' I shrugged.

'No, no. I am a very diverse man. This is kind of my speciality.' He forwards his chest and was looking so proud.

So, he is a boaster.

'Well, I don't have any speciality. I am a simple average girl.' Even if I have dozens, I have no intention to tell him.

'Yeah, looks like it.' And he had that smile on his face that could melt hearts but mine became poisonous after hearing his comment.

It was always better not to argue with fools because you won't be able to stoop at their level. So, in these kinds of situations, I always do my favourite trick and that was to keep mum. I couldn't argue with someone who makes no sense.

After one or two hours, the sun was directly gazing at my eye so, I put on my sunglasses and was looking outside the window. Suddenly the train jerked and I heard a click sound like something fell at my feet.

'Hey, can you please pick up my Bowflex dumbbell; it's at your feet.' The boaster said.

I looked down and picked his dumbbell with both the hands. Was he really doing this dumbbell exercise on the train? While giving it to him, I asked, 'what's this Bowflex?'

'That is the top brand of dumbbell and they are like really really expensive. But I can't compromise on quality so, spared no expense. As you have noticed, I like to work out' He added with a wink and was flexing his muscles while talking.

I had my sunglasses on and I wished he could see my expression.

Or maybe I was overthinking, for the first time I was heading out so, this tension was building inside my belly and I might be going harsh on this person. He may be genuinely very nice. Who knows he might have heroically saved a puppy from a tragic fire? Becoming a hero in front of everyone and also getting a chance to flex his muscles. Who knows?

So, I sat straight and gave him my attention with a smile and with no barricade on my eyes.

'So, do you work out'? He genuinely asked.

'No, I am no big fan of workouts. I just sometimes do stretching.' Like once in a blue moon. 'But I love to read. It gives me peace and happiness and fills my mind with so many questions to wonder.' I answered sincerely.

'Yeah, it shows on your body that you don't work out.' He smiled. That cactus smile, because every time he smiled, something pointy came out of his mouth which pierced my heart.

And what the hell? I feel I am fine. When I wanted to work out, I will and if I didn't want to work out, then I won't. I didn't feel that there was any need to insult someone. Is he like really real?

With deadly seriousness, I said, 'I am content with my body. I am happy with myself.' Though I was unable to show happiness on my face. Thanks to particular someone. Was this how my journey will begin?

He was so much indulged in the exercise that he barely paid attention to my answer and this infuriated me.

But no, I won't give him the satisfaction of spoiling my journey. I won't allow him to spoil my mood and I don't think so he even knows that what he was doing with his flowy conversation.

'Do you read books?' I asked.

'No, I am not a lover of books. I can't waste my time sitting in a boredom silence and then trying to read. Feels like wastage of my time. I would prefer to invest my time in something doing productive'.

Someone grant me permission to kill him.

The nerve of this boaster baboon. What did he think of himself? I know many people who didn't like to read and I respect that but I had never seen anyone like him who would disrespect the reading like this and I don't think I will see anyone like him again. Or maybe in this wanderlust, I might meet the 8th wonder of the world. Who knows? Or it could be that he was the 8th wonder.

'Are your sunglasses even protecting you? You can have my MessyWeekend sunglasses. You will look good in it. Yours look like they will break off any minute.' 

Was his concern even genuine? And give me strength O Lord! otherwise, I will punch his face any minute.

He was so much messing my train journey.

I faked my politeness with venom dripping from my tongue. 'Thank you for your sunglasses but I didn't ask for it and for your information, my sunglasses are a gift from someone so, even if it breaks I will keep it as a treasure.'

'Suit yourself.' He shrugged.

When will this train halt? When will I get off my station? When will I break free from this brand named stranger?

I plugged my earphones in thinking that life had funny ways to meet with strangers. I was not angry at this baboon because he was not worth my time, after all, he was just a passenger in this crowd though he had given me a glimpse of what kind of strangers I will be going to meet in this journey. I just hope I have immense strength to handle with care these kinds of strangers.

Or I would lose my shit. 

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Hey guys.

This bonus chapter is a little gift from my side because you all make me so happy for reading my story.

Now, the major question, What will happen in this journey between Scarlett and Dexter? Any of your theories?

Thank you so much for reading this chapter and I hope you enjoyed it. Buckle up your seat belts because many more moments are going to come. Don't forget to bless me with your votes, comment, and love.

Next Update on this Friday.

Love you all.