  Structured on the paradigmatic Navier-Stokes flow model, we study a
stochastically forced Taylor-Couette system in the narrow gap limit, in order
to analyze the simultaneous impact of a non-conserved (Gaussian) force and a
nonlinear perturbation, in determining linear stability. Our analysis
identifies key parametric windows within which the model remarkably retains its
linear stability, even against jointly varying stochastic forcing and nonlinear
fluctuations. We identify this feature as a {\it latent universality}, that we
then utilize to answer the elusive question as to how a recent groundbreaking
accretion flow model retains its stability, even in presence of nonlinear
perturbations and non-conserved stochastic forcing. Our analytical outline goes
beyond the immediate model studied and lays a generic foundation of analyzing
stability for nonlinear sheared models acted on by external forces and
subjected to boundary layer instability. presence of nonlinear perturbations
and non-conserved stochastic forcing. Our analytical outline goes beyond the
immediate model studied and lays a generic foundation of analyzing stability
for nonlinear sheared models acted on by external forces and subjected to
boundary layer instability.
