Even though she had fallen on top of him rather than landing in his arms, he had helped save her fall, and the two shared a short-lived muddy moment. After getting the python Jewel, Neel promises to catch Kiran from the high point she was at.It wasn't exactly the best timing to be exchanging life stories, but Kiran assumed it was his way of coping with nervousness. Before retrieving the python jewel, Neel rambles on to Kiran about how he had lost the title of crowned prince and how his mother had been banished from the Kingdom.

Yes, they do get into an argument right after, but it was still a moment. Neel says, 'Nah, I'd never think that' and smiles in a way that makes Kiran confused. After she had been given his jacket, Kiran tells him not to think that it would make up for him almost getting her killed, but she cuddles into it and describes that it smells like him.

After getting chased by the Neelkamalas, Kiran blames Neel for what had happened.

However, after a while of quarreling and saving each other's lives, Kiran and Neel seem to realize how alike they were and got along much better.

Neel comes off as rude and arrogant to Kiran, and she doesn't help to improve their relationship by accidentally inviting Neel's mother, the Demon Queen, into the Kingdom Beyond to snack on the prince Lalkamal and the stable maid Mati. In the first book of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond Series, The Serpent's Secret, Kiran and Neel have a shaky start.

Kiranmala and the kingdom beyond