"No means no. You refused to kiss me. I don't want to talk to you anymore.." Neha said hotly. Udhay and Poonam looked at their daughter in horror.

"Damn!!" Zian mumbled under his breath..

"Neha!!!" Poonam shrieked and Neha bit her tongue as she realised she had just blurted out something she should never say in front of her parents.

"Uh Poonam aunty, what she meant is that we were playing a truth or dare game. I was dared to kiss Neha on her cheeks. But I didn't want to do it in everyone's presence. So, I refused. And someone taunted her saying that I don't really love her and that's why I didn't kiss her. And Neha got hurt hearing that. That's why she got angry with me. It is nothing serious. We can talk it out quickly. Just give us some time.." Zian lied through his teeth, not wanting Neha to face her mother's wrath.

Poonam calmed down a bit but Zian saw Udhay still had his eyes narrowed on him.

Damn!

"Yeah! We were playing truth of dare, Momma. Do you remember that one time we played a truth or dare game when we had a get together with the Trivedis. Papa was dared to jump the walls of a neighbouring house. He had no idea there was a dog there. The dog chased him all around the house. But the doggy was so cute. Ever since, I wanted a puppy of my own, but momma never lets me. She says I am not responsible enough to look after myself, then how am I supposed to look after a puppy. Momma you know Zi-Zi had two puppies since he was a kid. Rocky and Bruno.They passed away and now they have new puppies. I have seen their pictures. One day I will go to Mumbai to see the puppies.."

"Neha..." Zian called helplessly. Neha has already moved on from her blunder and now is blabbering about totally unrelated things..

"I am still angry with you.." She said, turned on her heels and marched back to her room.

"This girl.." Poonam sighed.

"That's okay, Poonam aunty. I will talk to her and solve everything." Zian said softly.

"Okay then, you go and talk to her. I will prepare dinner for you meanwhile.." Poonam said.

"Oh no, that's not needed. I will be leaving soon.." Zian said.

"I am not listening to anything. You are having dinner with us today. That's all." Poonam said and hurried to the kitchen.

Zian sighed and looked up only to see Udhay staring at him.

"Uh.."

"I don't trust your story.." Udhay said, without beating around the bush and Zian shot an awkward look at him.

"But I think I am ready to trust my daughter with you now.." Udhay said with a soft smile and Zian looked at him surprised.

"Uh, Mr Bhatia.."

"It's Udhay. You can call me uncle. Or you can call me Papa like Neha does.." Udhay said, patting on Zian's shoulder and then followed his wife into the kitchen.

Zian smiled widely and went to Neha's room, only to find her sitting on the bed with the duvet covering her fully. Zian chuckled seeing her.

"Neha..." Zian called softly.

"I am on hibernation. I don't want to see you.." Neha said and Zian pulled one side of the duvet and got under it, covering them both.

"What are you doing?" Neha asked, glaring at him.

"Someone once said that singing a song for your dear ones helps reduce their anger.." Zian said with a mischievous smile making Neha frown.

"Which fool said that?" Neha asked, making Zian chuckle.

"Some sweet cute fool.." Zian said cheekily and Neha glared at him.

"And I am going to sing for you.." Zian said and Neha stared at him curiously.

"You're my Honeybunch Sugarplum

Pumpy-umpy-umpkin

You're my Sweetie Pie

You're my Cuppycake

Gumdrop Snoogums-Boogums

You're the Apple of my Eye."

Zian sang and Neha's eyes widened in surprise.

"You copycat.. That was my idea.." Neha accused, but there was a soft smile playing on her lips.

"And I love you so and I want you to know

That I'll always be right here

And I love to sing sweet songs to you

Because you are so dear," Zian continued, without paying heed to Neha's accusation.

Neha folded her arms across her chest and pouted.

"Isn't the song supposed to make you melt in love, Neha?" Zian asked cutely.

"You called me a fool.." Neha complained.

"I didn't. You yourself did.." Zian pointed out.

"That's because I didn't realise. But you should have said she is not a fool, but a gorgeous, stunningly beautiful, brave and badass lady.." Neha said and Zian couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"You are teasing me..."

"You are so cute, Neha Bhatia. So darn cute.." Zian said as he leaned forwards and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.

As Zian's lips touched Neha's nose, a rush of warmth spread through her, melting away the last remnants of her anger. She couldn't stay mad at him, not when he was being so sweet and silly.

"Okay, okay, you win," Neha conceded, unable to suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

Zian grinned triumphantly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Of course, I do. I always do," he teased, his voice filled with mock arrogance.

Neha rolled her eyes but couldn't help but giggle at his playful antics. Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, she knew deep down that she wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.

"Come on, Neha. Let's put an end to this hibernation, shall we?" Zian suggested, his expression softening as he gazed into her eyes.

Neha nodded, her heart swelling with love for the boy who had managed to steal her heart so easily.

"And hey, Amar's third task is tomorrow. We need to go back to the university," Zian said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Neha's eyes widened in surprise. The first task was funny. The art task Liam demanded that he does alone, without the scrutinising eyes of them. He will most probably show it to them tomorrow. And then the final task..

"What do you guys have in mind as the final task, Zi - Zi?"

A/N

Here goes the next shot..

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SF❤️