Their jinxed love - Part 15

Danny was feeling better. He felt sudden confidence arise within him. He felt grateful towards Ruby and Jenny for bringing his lost confidence back. He wanted to do better not for himself but to make his new mentors proud. Unfortunately his confidence had limited timeline. Gaurav spoke, " Unlike Ruby and Jenny, I won't come there and hug you. I am not like others who would console you when you haven't performed well. You were utter disappointment. There was no elimination today. Still you performed so bad. There were thousands of dancers who were better than you but you got the chance. I feel we made a grave mistake in bringing you here. Danny, you are very lucky."

Everyone were surprised. No one expected him to be insensitive. Tears welled up in Danny's eyes. He lost his confidence again. He felt he had lost a battle. He couldn't look up. Ruby gently rubbed his shoulders to console him. Jenny was angry at Gaurav. She wondered what had happened to Gaurav and why was he reacting like this. Was he spilling his anger on someone else? She had to confront him. 

Danny left the stage. The performance of other contestant continued. Today's episode ended smoothly. Jenny quickly headed to make up room. She planned to speak to Danny first and then confront Gaurav. She found Danny sitting alone with gloomy face. Other contestants were busy getting their costumes changed or chatting about their day. When they saw Jenny approaching, they stopped what they were doing and stared at her with awe. 

She stood in front of Danny and stared at him with folded arms. Danny was engrossed in thoughts. "Can everyone leave us alone? I want to speak to Danny.", she said. He looked up immediately. He was surprised. He was about to get up when Jenny pushed him to sit.  When everybody left, she spoke,"Do you remember what I had said on the stage? I told you to not to give up. I told you that one who learns from their mistakes and starts again emerges victorious. How can you let someone's words affect you?"

Danny was about to say something. But he stopped. "I understand what you were going to say. It was Gaurav. He is the judge. You will have to face harsh criticism.", she said. As she was advising him, Gaurav arrived to see everyone waiting outside the make up room. He gazed inside one of windows which was open. He saw Jenny in serious conversation with Danny. He got closer to hear what she was saying. 

"How can you even let Gaurav's words affect you ? Everyone has bad days. But that doesn't mean you sulk over someone's harsh words. Get up and get going. I can see you have potential. Only you need to believe in yourself. If you need any help, you can count on me.", she said. Gaurav was furious. He wondered why would she guide any contestant against him. How can she stoop so low? He left suddenly and stomped towards his vanity van. Everyone stared at him as he left. 

(To be continued)