The episode opens with Shubhvi urgently addressing Raunak, imploring him to marry Payal in order to protect Prarthna’s reputation. Raunak, taken aback, questions the logic behind her request, clearly struggling to understand how such a marriage could resolve the issue. Shubhvi insists that he will only grasp the situation fully after he marries Payal. Frustrated, Raunak storms off, leaving Shubhvi to ponder her next move.
Harsh approaches Shubhvi, skeptical of her plan. He questions whether marrying Payal will truly salvage Prarthna’s reputation. Shubhvi responds, clarifying that it’s not her assertion but rather Smita’s belief that marrying Payal is the right course of action. She emphasizes that Smita’s word is always considered gospel in their family.
Meanwhile, Prarthna finds herself in the basement, where she spots a couple of security guards. Panic sets in as she realizes that if they catch her, she could end up in jail. To avoid detection, she quickly hides from their view as the guards begin searching for her.
Raunak arrives at Payal’s house, where she greets him with an understanding smile. She tells him that she knows why he has come, revealing her awareness of his feelings for Prarthna. Raunak, sensing the weight of the moment, asks Payal if she would marry him. Payal is taken aback, her shock evident as she processes his unexpected proposal.
In another part of the house, Kishan speaks with Seema, urging her to keep the truth about Prarthna’s parentage a secret. He expresses his strong desire for Prarthna to remain unaware that she is not their biological daughter. Seema agrees, understanding the importance of maintaining this façade.
Back in the basement, Prarthna hides in the record room, desperately searching for file number 202. The security guards continue their search but fail to locate her, eventually leaving the area. Prarthna breathes a sigh of relief but remains focused on her task.
Returning to the conversation between Raunak and Payal, she asks him if he is truly certain about wanting to marry her. Raunak affirms his decision, stating that every attempt he makes seems to lead to negative consequences for others. Payal acknowledges his words but also expresses her willingness to marry him, believing it could lead to happiness. Raunak agrees, feeling a sense of resolve as he departs.
Later, Payal confides in Ketki about Raunak’s agreement to marry her. She voices her concerns, realizing that Raunak’s commitment is fragile and could change at any moment. Ketki, sensing Payal’s apprehension, presses her to consider her next steps.
Eager to share her news, Payal visits Smita, showering her with compliments. She reveals that Raunak has proposed to her, and Smita, already aware of Raunak’s intentions, encourages Payal to ensure that he doesn’t backtrack on his decision. Payal nods, determined to make the relationship work.
Meanwhile, Baa learns from Raunak about his proposal to Payal. He explains that marrying her would effectively sever any connection between him and Prarthna, a move that Baa seems to understand. She also discovers that Shubhvi was the one who suggested this course of action to Raunak.
Later, Payal arrives at the hospital to see Prarthna but instead encounters Seema. Seema firmly advises Payal to leave, assuring her that Prarthna is not in a position to meet Raunak. Reluctantly, Payal agrees to leave, her concern for Prarthna still evident.
Raunak visits the hospital, seeking information about Kishan. He casually mentions that he is there to see a friend, and Seema reassures him that Kishan is doing well. Unbeknownst to them, Payal is eavesdropping on their conversation, her curiosity piqued.
In the record room, Payal finally locates file number 202 but is too frightened to examine it due to the presence of a rat. As she struggles with her fear, Raunak hears her distressed cries and rushes into the record room. Upon entering, he finds Prarthna and questions her presence there. Prarthna, flustered, tells him she cannot talk right now. Just then, the security guards burst into the room, prompting Prarthna to quickly hide. Raunak, sensing the urgency, grabs the file and exits with the guards, witnessing the entire scene unfold.
The episode concludes with a sense of tension and uncertainty, leaving viewers eager to see how the characters will navigate the complex web of relationships and secrets that threaten to unravel.