Episode 4: My Stranger

...----------------...

Nithya stood backstage, the sound of cheering fans still echoing in her ears after her performance. Her heart was pounding—not from nerves, but from excitement. She had given it her all. As she caught her breath and wiped the sweat from her brow, her eyes fell on two approaching figures: her boss, Mr. Anvish... and Jay.

*What is he doing with Mr. Anvish?” she wondered, her heart skipping.

Before she could react, both men walked up to her. Jay stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.

“She’s my friend, Anvish. I need you to feature her on the next tour,” he said without hesitation.

Nithya's eyes widened in shock. Was this really happening?

Anvish smiled and nodded. “Anything for you, Mr. Jay.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Jay and Nithya alone.

“Thank you,” Nithya said nervously, not knowing where to start. “But... I’m sorry about the video. But you hurt Malishka.”

Jay’s expression softened. “I know,” he replied. “I apologized to her. That matters.”

Nithya gave a small nod.

---

Meanwhile, Shaina was in her car, driving Ranvijay home. His bike had broken down, or so he claimed, and she had offered him a ride. The two of them sat quietly for a moment, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence.

“I want to meet your family,” Ranvijay said suddenly.

Shaina blinked, surprised. “Don’t get me wrong,” he said, smiling nervously. “But since you’ll be knowing my house, I think it’s only fair if I know yours too.”

Shauna chuckled. “Fair enough. Maybe another time.”

A few minutes later, he directed her to stop in front of a modest apartment building.

“This is it,” he said, pointing. “That’s where I live—with my mum.”

Shaina looked at him, her heart warming at his honesty.

“Thank you, my superhero,” he said playfully.

She smiled wide, and he then stepped out of the car.

Shaina watched him go, a smile tugging at her lips.

---

As the evening drew to a close, Arjun arrived at Shaina's residence, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he began to share news about Neeks. Shaina's expression turned incredulous, her voice rising in indignation.

"Are you insane?" she demanded. "You used Mum's money to enroll that...that...bitch?"

Arjun's face fell, hurt and frustration etched on his features. "Shaina, why can't you just like Neeks?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and anger. "Is she not beautiful enough or what?"

Shaina's laughter was dismissive, her words cutting. "Beautiful? She's not even pretty! I can find you someone better than her any day."

Arjun's smile was tinged with anger, his eyes flashing with determination. "I don't need someone else, Shaina," he said, his voice low and even. "Neeks is my true love."

Shaina's face darkened, her anger boiling over. She spun on her heel, storming out of the room, leaving Arjun to follow her. "Hey, little girl, come back here!" he called after her, his voice loud and commanding.

Meanwhile, in her own room, Nithya was lost in her practice, her music filling the air. The sudden knock on the window made her jump, and she turned to see Jay standing outside, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. She rushed to open the window, her heart racing with surprise.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, trying to sound stern. "Are you stalking me?"

Jay's smile only grew wider. "No, no, your boss sent me to give you your employment letter," he said, holding out the envelope.

Nithya's eyes widened as she took the envelope, her fingers trembling with excitement. She ripped it open, scanning the contents with a gasp of delight. "OMG, Dame Label is hiring me?" she squealed, her face lighting up with joy.

Jay's smirk was back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know, right?" he said, his voice low and teasing.

Nithya didn't care, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, her happiness infectious.

Jay's smirk softened, his eyes warming as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Anytime," he whispered, his voice full of promise.

As Jay watched Nithya's joyful moment, he couldn't help but smirk. "Enjoy your happy moment, girl," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of warmth and mystery.

Meanwhile, Shaina was discussing Rommy with Zoya when Tariq and Mahika walked in, their presence commanding attention. Shaina's expression turned sweet, and she greeted Tariq with a warm smile. "Uncle, welcome back."

However, Tariq ignored her, his eyes blazing with anger. Mahika, on the other hand, sneered at Shaina. "Stop pretending to be a good girl," she spat, her voice venomous.

Zoya intervened, her voice firm but concerned. "Mahika, what are you doing, Tariq? What's going on?"

Tariq's anger boiled over, and he turned on Zoya. "Don't talk to me, Zoya!" he thundered, his words leaving her shocked and hurt.

Shaina's eyes widened, and she took a step forward. "What did she tell you, Uncle?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Tariq's gaze turned to Shaina, his eyes burning with intensity. "I need a favor from you, Shaina," he said, his voice low and urgent. "And if you do this, I will be forever grateful."

Shaina's eyes locked onto Tariq's, her expression curious. "Of course, Uncle," she said, her voice smooth. "Tell me anything you need."

Tariq's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. "Convince Amit to be with Mahika," he said, his words dropping like a bombshell.

Shaina's eyes widened in shock, and Zoya's face reflected her horror.

In her room, Nithya turned to Jay, her eyes searching. "Why are you doing all of this for me, stranger?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jay's smile was enigmatic. "There's a reason for everything, Nithya," he said, his voice low and mysterious.

Nithya's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. "And what's your reason?" she asked, her voice laced with intrigue.

Jay's smile grew wider. "I will tell you tomorrow after the event," he said, his eyes glinting with secrets.

Nithya's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned in, her voice barely audible. "Are you taking revenge?"

Jay's expression turned guarded, and he seemed taken aback by her question.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***