The episode opens with Teju deep in thought, reflecting on Rithu Raj’s recent words. Her mind is a whirlwind of emotions as she contemplates the implications of what was said. Just then, Neil approaches her, a warm smile on his face, and presents her with a beautifully wrapped gift. Teju’s eyes light up with excitement as she eagerly opens it, revealing a stunning saree nestled inside. Overwhelmed with joy, she asks Neil if the gift is truly for her, to which he nods affirmatively.
Curiosity piques her interest, and she inquires about when he bought the saree. Neil explains that Nandini had mentioned Teju would be performing the Vat Savitri pooja, prompting him to purchase it specifically for her. Teju, while appreciative, remarks that since the gift was inspired by Nandini’s suggestion, it feels more like a present from her rather than from Neil. Neil, wanting to see her in the saree, encourages her to try it on, but Teju declines, insisting that she must continue her studies. Internally, she wrestles with her fears about Neil’s upcoming trip to Konkan, worrying about the dangers that might await him.
As the day progresses, Neil emerges from his room, freshly dressed and searching for something to clean his spectacles. Teju hands him a kerchief, and he uses it to wipe his glasses. In a playful moment, she takes the saree and uses it to clean his spectacles, helping him wear them afterward. Neil smiles at her, but Teju’s mind remains preoccupied with thoughts about how to prevent him from going on the trip.
The following day, Neil prepares to leave, seeking blessings from his family. They shower him with safety suggestions and advice for his journey. Meanwhile, Teju, desperate to halt his departure, devises a plan and discreetly hides his car keys. As Neil announces that he is ready to leave, he notices the keys are missing from their usual spot on the table. He heads to his room to search for them and discovers them resting on the saree box he had gifted to Teju. Confused, he wonders if she placed them there and begins to look for her.
At that moment, Teju steps out, gracefully draped in the saree Neil had given her. Neil’s face breaks into a smile at the sight of her. He mentions finding the keys in the saree box and asks if she had hidden them. Teju quickly denies it, playfully suggesting that perhaps he had mistakenly put them there. Neil considers this possibility, thanks her for wearing the saree, and compliments how beautiful she looks in it. Teju teases him in return, but the mood shifts as Neil prepares to leave the house. A wave of sadness washes over Teju, and as Neil steps outside, he briefly returns to urge her to at least say goodbye. He adds that the room will be all hers now, a statement that makes Teju turn away, tears welling in her eyes as he leaves.
That night, Teju finds herself missing Neil intensely. She attempts to call him, but the network connection fails her. Later, she awakens to a voice note from Neil, who informs her that he has arrived at the camp and will be heading to an area with poor network coverage. He wishes her well for her Vat Savitri fast, but Teju feels a pang of disappointment, thinking he could have called her directly. Determined, she begins to prepare for the pooja, reminiscing about her cherished moments with Neil. Speaking to his photo, she declares that she is observing the fast for him, affirming her acceptance of him as her husband. She expresses her longing for him, wishing he were by her side, and prays to the idols of Shiv and Parvati, officially declaring Neil as her husband. She resolves to share this revelation with her family after breaking her fast in the evening.
As the day unfolds, a neighbor inquires with Leena about Teju’s participation in the vrat, to which Leena responds that Teju does not believe in such rituals. However, Teju arrives just then, asserting that she is observing the fast with full devotion. The women around her praise her, likening her to Savitri, who famously saved her husband’s life. Nandini compliments Teju on her beautiful attire, likening her to a bride. Teju proceeds with the pooja, but Leena can’t resist mocking her. Despite this, Teju prays fervently for Neil’s safety, hoping no harm comes to him. Rithu Raj observes the scene, his thoughts darkening as he realizes that even though Teju has accepted Neil as her husband, he is determined to ensure their happiness is short-lived.
During the pooja, an unexpected mishap occurs when Teju’s sacred thread breaks. In a moment of panic, she quickly ties it back together and continues with her rituals. One of the women present explains the significance of the vrat, recounting how Savitri saved her husband from Yamraj, thus becoming a symbol of strength for married women.
Later, as the fast concludes, Teju finds herself consumed by thoughts of Neil. Prachi and Manjari suggest they video-call Neil so Teju can break her fast with him. They attempt to call, but his phone remains unreachable. Leena seizes the moment to remind everyone that she had warned them about this situation, but Teju stands firm, refusing to break her fast without speaking to Neil first. Leena warns her that not breaking the fast can also bring bad luck, but Vinod encourages her to maintain a positive outlook.
Retreating to her room, Teju imagines a scenario where Neil is present to help her break her fast. However, her daydream is interrupted by Nandini’s voice, as she and Prachi encourage Teju to eat. Teju stubbornly declines their offer, and they leave food near her before walking away. Overwhelmed with emotion, Teju cries, missing Neil dearly. Meanwhile, Neil is also lost in thought, hoping Teju is managing well in his absence.
As the night deepens, Teju experiences a terrifying nightmare in which Neil is involved in a horrific accident. She wakes up screaming his name, and Rithu Raj, Nandini, and Alok rush into her room, alarmed. In a state of panic, Teju begs them to call Neil. Rithu Raj, however, accuses her of merely acting and insinuates that she has someone else in her heart. Nandini echoes his sentiments, questioning whether Teju is being unfaithful. Upset, Nandini and her husband leave the room, leaving Teju in a state of despair.
**Precap:** News reporters swarm a scene in the jungle where two bodies have been discovered. IPS Savi arrives at the location, her heart breaking as she weeps over Rajat’s body, while Neil stands nearby, crying beside Teju’s lifeless form.