The episode opens with Rishabh unexpectedly encountering the neighbors of Bhagyashree. Instantly captivated by his charm and charisma, they begin to fawn over him, expressing their admiration and excitement. With a confident stride, Rishabh makes his way to Bhagyashree’s flat, while Lajjo and her group of friends speculate about the nature of his visit. They gossip among themselves, suggesting that Rishabh could very well be Bhagyashree’s first love, given that he is visiting her personally.
Upon entering Bhagyashree’s home, Rishabh is immediately struck by her beauty. He takes a moment to congratulate her on her recent promotion, a significant achievement that clearly brings her joy. Curiosity piqued, he inquires about the source of her stunning bangles. Bhagyashree, perhaps assuming his interest in such details hints at a more delicate sensibility, casually shares the location of the shop where she purchased them. She also recalls a previous conversation where he had asked about her shampoo brand, and she happily provides that information as well. As their conversation continues, Rishabh asks her to sign some documents, still entranced by her presence. Just as he is about to leave, Bhagyashree requests that he book a cab for her.
Later, Bhagyashree arrives at the engagement venue, a swirl of conflicting emotions washing over her. Deep down, she grapples with the desire to please her father while feeling the weight of her own truth, which she knows she cannot reveal. Upon arrival, she encounters Meenakshi’s father, and in a moment of nostalgia, she inquires about her own father. He informs her that it has been years since he last saw her and that her parents are eagerly longing to reunite with her. In a gesture of goodwill, Bhagyashree presents him with a gift for Meenakshi. Turning around, she unexpectedly spots her elder brother Anna’s wife, Anni, who bluntly questions her about her decision not to wear her mangalsutra. Anni reminds her of the heartache their father suffered after she left, emphasizing that despite the doctor’s warnings, he had still come to see her. Anni chastises Bhagyashree for not dressing appropriately like a married woman, further intensifying her emotional turmoil.
Struggling with her feelings, Bhagyashree reflects on how to face her father. Memories from her childhood flood her mind, bringing back bittersweet moments. She approaches her father, Vinay, who is coughing softly. The moment she touches his hand, he becomes visibly emotional, and his coughing subsides. They share a heartfelt hug, but Vinay’s recollection of the day Bhagyashree left home—accusing him of not loving her—casts a shadow over their reunion. Although he is overwhelmed with emotion, he holds back from embracing her fully. Soon after, Padma arrives and greets Bhagyashree with warmth, asking how she has been. Bhagyashree’s brother also steps forward to welcome her. However, Padma’s next question hangs in the air: “Where is your husband?”
Just then, Rishabh makes his entrance, holding one of Bhagyashree’s earrings. Vinay and Padma look surprised and question why her husband is not present. Caught off guard, Bhagyashree struggles to find the right words. Meenakshi’s father, curious about Rishabh’s identity, prompts him to clarify his connection to Bhagyashree. Rishabh, with a confident demeanor, calls out her name and approaches her, explaining that he has come to return her earring. He greets Amma and Appa warmly, mentioning that Bhagyashree had often spoken about them, expressing both excitement and nervousness about meeting them. Padma, mistaking the nature of their relationship, refers to Rishabh as their son-in-law, prompting the family to encourage him to help Bhagyashree put on the earring.
In a moment of desperation, Bhagyashree decides to keep the truth hidden from her family. She pulls Rishabh aside, pleading with him to pretend to be her husband. She offers to compensate him for his trouble, explaining that her father’s heart condition prevents her from revealing the truth at this time. Rishabh, sympathetic to her plight, agrees to help and gently assists her in wearing the earring. Later, he tells Padma that he is delighted to finally meet them after five years and expresses his understanding of why Bhagyashree is so beautiful. He also addresses Vinay as “Papa Ji,” knowing that Bhagyashree fondly calls him “Appa.”
Bhagyashree’s brother, Karthik, introduces himself to Rishabh, while Meenakshi comments on Rishabh’s good looks, further complicating Bhagyashree’s feelings of guilt about the deception. As Bhagyashree and Rishabh seek blessings from her parents, Meenakshi insists on a formal introduction of her husband. Rishabh smoothly introduces himself, but inside, Bhagyashree wrestles with the guilt of lying to her family. She realizes that maintaining this façade will require even more deception, and she resolves to confide in her mother about the truth—that she is not actually married.
Determined to speak with Padma, Bhagyashree takes her aside. However, before she can voice her concerns, Padma expresses her happiness at seeing Bhagyashree with her “husband,” noting that their father feels much better since their reunion. A relative then turns to Rishabh, inquiring about his profession. Without missing a beat, Bhagyashree quickly interjects, saying they work together at Tatva Company—Rishabh is a manager, and she is the zonal head. The relative praises their accomplishments, telling Vinay to be proud of how well-settled both his children are. Vinay, pleased, instructs Karthik to seat Rishabh with the relatives, adhering to family tradition.
Later, Bhagyashree finds Rishabh sitting alone and cautions him against overacting in front of her family. Rishabh, sensing her tension, reassures her to relax and walks away to mingle with others. Padma approaches Bhagyashree again, praising Rishabh and reminding her that she was about to say something important earlier. Bhagyashree brushes it off, claiming it was nothing significant. She then inquires about Shreyas and Revati, to which Padma replies that they are preoccupied with other matters. Meanwhile, Rishabh continues to charm everyone around him with his witty antics, winning their hearts effortlessly.
**Precap:** As the engagement festivities unfold, Rishabh’s flatmate unexpectedly arrives at the venue, threatening to expose the lie that Bhagyashree and Rishabh have constructed. The tension mounts as both characters must navigate the precarious situation they find themselves in.