The episode opens with Rituraj observing Neil, who appears lost in thought. Curiosity piqued, Rituraj asks Neil what’s on his mind. Neil can’t help but reflect on his feelings for Teju, a thought that weighs heavily on him. He hesitates to share his thoughts with Rituraj, believing that even if he did, Rituraj wouldn’t be able to help him. Sensing Rituraj’s distress, Neil shifts the conversation, asking him why he seems upset. Rituraj, too, is caught in his own thoughts about Teju, struggling with his feelings.
Just then, Yash and Amai arrive, playfully teasing Neil about Rituraj’s mood. They suggest that Rituraj is downcast because the girl he’s trying to impress has rejected him. Neil, intrigued, turns to Rituraj and asks if there’s any truth to their claims. Rituraj reluctantly admits to his disappointment, offering a brief comment that reveals his vulnerability.
As the scene transitions, Rituraj, accompanied by Nandini and Yash, arrives at the Chavan family home. Rituraj instructs Nandini and Yash to go inside and present a gift to Juhi while he waits in the car. Nandini and Yash agree and head inside, leaving Rituraj to ponder his feelings. While he waits, a football unexpectedly rolls toward him. Vedaant, a lively young boy, approaches and asks Rituraj if he can have the ball. Rituraj obliges, handing it over without hesitation.
Recognizing Rituraj, Vedaant excitedly informs him that his sister is a huge fan of Rituraj. Eager to introduce them, Vedaant rushes off to fetch his sister. Meanwhile, Nandini and Yash successfully deliver the gift to Juhi and return to find Rituraj. Yash suggests that it’s time to leave, and Rituraj agrees, ready to depart with them. However, Vedaant returns with Teju, eager to show her Rituraj, only to find that he has already left. Disappointed, Vedaant tells Teju that Rituraj was indeed there, but Teju, visibly annoyed, warns Vedaant to stay away from Rituraj, firmly stating that she doesn’t like him. She wonders why Rituraj had come to their gathering in the first place.
The scene shifts to Juhi’s Haldi ceremony, where excitement fills the air. Juhi sits surrounded by family, expressing her wish to have Teju apply the Haldi first. Teju steps forward, ready to fulfill Juhi’s request, but Juhi playfully stops her, insisting that she will demonstrate how she wants the Haldi applied. In a surprising twist, Juhi applies Haldi to Teju first, leaving Teju bewildered. Teju protests, reminding Juhi that it is her own Haldi ceremony, not Teju’s, and comments on the unconventional nature of the moment.
As the ceremony progresses, family members gather to apply Haldi to Juhi, creating a festive atmosphere. Teju, wanting to include everyone, invites Lakshmi to participate in the ritual. However, Lakshmi hesitates, reminding Teju that as a widow, she shouldn’t take part in such joyous occasions. Lakshmi believes that even her presence could bring bad luck to Juhi. Teju, however, challenges this notion, arguing that a mother’s blessings cannot be inauspicious. She emphasizes that she sees Lakshmi as a mother figure to Juhi, advocating for her inclusion in the ceremony.
Sonali, witnessing the exchange, supports Teju’s argument, stating that Teju’s perspective is valid. After some contemplation, Lakshmi relents and applies Haldi to Juhi, a gesture that signifies acceptance and love. Juhi, delighted, encourages Lakshmi to apply Haldi to all her daughters, which Lakshmi does with warmth, applying it to Aditi and Prajakta as well. In a heartfelt moment, Juhi insists that Lakshmi also apply Haldi to Teju, showcasing the bond they share. Teju, touched by Lakshmi’s gesture, takes a moment to seek her blessings, further solidifying their connection. Lakshmi then turns to Mukta, asking her to join in and apply Haldi to Juhi, completing the ritual with familial love.
**Precap:** As the episode wraps up, Teju prepares to leave for her MA exam, focused yet anxious. Aditi enters, holding something she found in Juhi’s room. Teju’s curiosity piques as she sees that Juhi has written a note expressing her reluctance to go through with the marriage. Omi, sensing the tension, insists that Teju must sit in the Mandap as the bride, leaving viewers eager to see how the unfolding drama will impact the relationships and events to come.