Part 1 - When Parineeti brought Sidharth to his knees on Live TV (and the Barun Sobti connection)

Setting: A brightly lit, chic studio in Mumbai. The year is 2026. Sidharth Malhotra is looking sharp in a denim shirt, sitting across from his long-time friend and Hasee Toh Phasee co-star, Parineeti Chopra, who is guest-hosting the segment.

EXT. STUDIO - DAY

The "ON AIR" sign glows red. The camera pans from a poster of Sidharth’s new film to Parineeti, who is grinning widely. Sidharth looks relaxed, leaning back with a coffee mug.

PARINEETI (To camera) So, guys, today we have a very special guest. Isse aapne bohot roles mein dekha hai—soldier, spy, lover boy—par aaj, mere sawalon se bachne ke liye koi script nahi hai iske paas. Welcome, Sid!

SIDHARTH (Laughing) Thanks, Pari. Honestly, jab mujhe pata chala ki tum interview le rahi ho, I was 50% excited and 50% scared. Mujhe pata hai tumhare dimaag mein kya khuraafat chalti hai.

PARINEETI (Winking at the camera crew) Arre, trust me na! Hum toh purane dost hain. Hasee Toh Phasee se leke ab tak, nothing has changed.

They chat for a few minutes about the film. Sidharth is in his element, talking about the "hard work" and "vision." Parineeti keeps nodding, but her expression slowly starts to shift into something more serious, even slightly strained.

PARINEETI: (Smiling, but her eyes are sharp) Waise Sid, we’ve done two films together. Sabko lagta hai it’s all fun and games. But you know, sometimes words stay with you longer than movies do.

SIDHARTH: Deep, Pari. Very deep. Kya hua? Are you still mad I stole your protein bars on the Jabariya Jodi set?

PARINEETI: (She doesn't laugh. Her tone shifts to something raw.) Nahi. I was thinking about the Ek Villain promotions. Remember that interview? You joked about taking 'weight gain lessons' from me because you needed to bulk up... I was fighting depression and struggling so much back then, Sid. Everyone knew it. I thought my friend would have my back, not use my struggle as a punchline.

SIDHARTH: (The act shatters instantly. He looks at the camera, then back at her, eyes wide with 'innocent' panic.) Pari... that was a decade ago. I was just being stupid. I didn't mean it like that.

PARINEETI: (Her voice cracks. She looks at her cue cards, her hand visibly trembling.) I know. But you never said it to me. (She clears her throat, trying to stay professional) Anyway, next question... Fans want to know if—

She stops. Her eyes swim. She takes a shaky breath, pressing her lips together to stop the quiver.

SIDHARTH (Eyes widening, completely panicked) Hey... hey, Pari? Are you serious? Mike check? Guys, cut the cameras?

The crew stays silent, but the "Live" light stays on.

SIDHARTH: (Leaning in, his voice dropping to a frantic, breathy sotto voce. He’s whispering so the mics don't catch it, but his eyes are darting toward the crew.) Pari... listen. Yeh kya kar rahi hai? Not here, yaar. I know I messed up back then—I was an idiot, I was immature—but why bring this up now? (A beat of silence as he sees her shoulders shake) Pari, look at me. I’ve felt like a loser about that comment for years, trust me. Remember that party? I didn't even think twice before helping you with that wardrobe thing... I thought you knew that was my way of saying sorry. Please, don't do this live...

PARINEETI: (Cutting him off, voice thick) Protecting my clothes isn't the same as protecting my dignity, Sid. (Whispering) I can’t do this... Give me a minute.

She turns away, burying her face in her hands. Her shoulders heave in silent, rhythmic sobs.

SIDHARTH: (Pale-faced. He gestures wildly to the crew.) Guys... cut the cams. Cut them! Band karo yaar, she’s actually upset! Is this still live?!

The crew doesn't move. The "LIVE" light stays red. One camera zooms in on Sidharth’s horrified face as he realizes his "Clean Guy" image is evaporating in 4K.

[To Be Continued...]