The episode begins with a guest insulting Saraswati, claiming that Apollena can’t cook kheer properly, even adding salt to it. Rastogi questions how she picked Apollena as her daughter-in-law. Just then, Shlok encourages Irani to try the kheer, only for her to realize that she has been dreaming about it. When the guest tastes the kheer, however, they praise its flavor, with Mrs. Singh remarking that she has never had anything like it before. Irani feels deflated listening to the compliments and wonders how the saltiness changed.
Shlok recalls stopping Apollena from adding salt to the kheer and reassures her as she apologizes. She admits she was focused on her lecture and forgot to check the dish. Shlok beams with pride as he hears everyone praising his mother’s cooking and goes to find Apollena. He tells her that there’s nothing left for them to eat, but Apollena insists he should enjoy it since she is avoiding sugar for her training to manage her weight. Shlok insists she will love it because he added sugar, saying that her delicious kheer saved his mother’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Rastogi criticizes Saraswati for her daughter-in-law’s poor cooking skills, claiming she isn’t adhering to any rituals. He expresses concern that her son is blindly supporting Apollena and warns that he shouldn’t prioritize her over his mother. Saraswati is resolute that this will not happen, emphasizing that she is Shlok’s world. Rastogi comments that a son’s love for his mother often wanes once he marries and implies that Shlok shouldn’t forsake his mother for Apollena. Frustrated, Saraswati reflects on the embarrassment Apollena caused her in front of friends.
Shlok then urges Apollena to wear the nuptial chain and apply vermilion in her hair, but she refuses, asserting that their relationship is merely a deal and she does not acknowledge the marriage. Shlok begs her to pretend to be his wife for the sake of his mother, stating it will only take a few minutes. Reluctantly, she puts on the nuptial chain, but when he asks her to apply the vermilion, she declines, citing the chemicals in store-bought vermilion and the health risks involved. Shlok argues that it’s a tradition and insists they haven’t suffered any harm from it, but Apollena counters that they make their own vermilion naturally, unlike the chemical-laden products available today.
Saraswati overhears their conversation and confronts Shlok, questioning why he married Apollena if she refuses to uphold their customs. She mentions plans for the muh dikhai rasam, emphasizing that Apollena must not do anything to humiliate her. Exasperated, Shlok tells Apollena he can tolerate anything but seeing tears in his mother’s eyes. Apollena complains about her aching hands, and in anger, Shlok storms out.
Saraswati covers her face with a dupatta, determined to perform all the rituals properly that day. Later, Bittu asks Girdar to fix his radio. Once repaired, he listens in surprise as Neil’s singing fills the air. Neil expresses gratitude to his family for their support but feels disappointed that his father doesn’t recognize his talent. Girdar feels guilty for not acknowledging Neil’s abilities.
Meanwhile, Apollena loses her balance, but Shlok quickly catches her and lifts her into his arms, prompting playful teasing from the guests. Irani scowls at the scene, overhearing Saraswati warn Shlok not to let anyone see Apollena too closely, or they will discover she isn’t wearing vermilion. When the guests praise Apollena’s beauty, Irani dramatically lifts her veil, shocked to see the vermilion on her hairline.
Thanking Apollena for applying the vermilion, Shlok and Apollena begin discussing the incident. Meanwhile a disgruntled Irani instigates Saraswati against Apollena.
Episode Concludes