Part 4 - Abhi Nahi, Pari – Sid’s Silent Drama Begins!

SETTING: The set of their 2026 thriller, CODE NAME: X. A massive, dusty library. The smell of old paper and expensive lighting rigs fills the air.

INT. FILM SET - DAY

PARINEETI is perched on a stack of prop books, scrolling through Instagram. SIDHARTH is by the window. He’s in a tactical vest, looking sharp, but his mind is purely on executing "The Move."

PARINEETI (without looking up, laughing) Sid! Oye, Hero! Tune woh meme dekha jo maine tag kiya? It’s a literal side-by-side of you and a Golden Retriever. Matlab, even the hair is the same, yaar! Ekdum puppy vibes.

Sidharth doesn't flinch. He doesn't give the usual "Pari, please!" laugh. He slowly turns his head. He anchors his gaze on her eyes. One second. Two seconds. Three...

PARINEETI (Looking up, confused) ...Sid? Hello? Mic check? Awaaz kho gayi kya, ya Kiara ne sach mein lock laga diya hai? Kuch toh bol?

Sidharth narrows his eyes slightly—the "Sobti Tilt." He looks at her, then slowly scans down to her shoes, then back up. Complete silence.

PARINEETI (Her smile falters, she adjusts her jacket) Okay... stop it. Boht weird ho raha hai. Mere face pe kuch laga hai kya? Is my concealer smudging? Sidharth, bol na! Drau mat mujhe!

Sidharth lets out a slow, barely audible sigh. He checks his watch, looks at the ceiling like he’s bored of the very air she breathes, and then starts walking toward the exit.

PARINEETI (Standing up, following him frantically) Wait, what?! Sid! Tu ja kyun raha hai? Are you mad about the dinner thing? I paid half the tip, I swear! Sidharth! Baat toh sunn!

Sidharth reaches the door. He pauses, hand on the handle. He turns his head back just halfway—the ultimate Barun move.

SIDHARTH (Voice deep, low, and completely cold) Abhi nahi, Pari.

He exits. The heavy soundproof door thuds shut.

PARINEETI (Frozen in the middle of the set, looking lost) “'Abhi nahi'? What does 'Abhi nahi' mean? Maine zyada bol diya kya? Was it the puppy meme? Oh my god, he’s actually upset. Iska gussa toh boht ganda hai...

She frantically starts typing. "Hey, sorry if I crossed a line! I was just joking! Please don't be mad, Sid... Chal, treat on me next time!"

EXT. BEHIND THE SET - MOMENTS LATER

Sidharth is ducked behind a catering van, doubled over, hand over his mouth to muffle his laughter. He’s shaking. He pulls out his phone and hits voice note.

SIDHARTH (Whispering-laughing) Barun! Bhai, it worked! She’s literally spiralling. Uska paragraph-long apology aa gaya hai. I think I’ve officially entered my 'Mysterious Era.' She thinks I’m actually pissed!

BARUN (V.O. via Phone) (Dry, deadpan voice) Reply mat karna. Teen ghante tak bhool ja phone. If you reply now, tu wahi 'Nice Guy' ban jayega. Stay dark, Sid. Stay dark.

[FADE OUT]