The episode opens with Anjana expressing her desire to visit the temple to pray for Aditi. She asks Arshi to remind Aditi to apply vermilion on her forehead, as today holds special significance. Jhanak overhears this conversation, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
As Arshi and Anjana prepare to welcome Aditi’s friends, one of them questions Jhanak’s presence. In response, Arshi explains that Rishi and Jhanak’s marriage has not been accepted by the family, leading to Jhanak being boycotted by the villagers. To support her, Rishi brought Jhanak to their home.
Aniruddh observes Jhanak diligently working and is reminded of the moments he shared with Nutan, Jhanak’s mother. He feels a connection between the two, thinking that Jhanak resembles her mother. Aniruddh approaches Anjana, urging her to go to the temple before Aditi arrives. However, Anjana insists that she wants to meet Aditi and Rishi first. Meanwhile, Arshi encourages Aditi’s friends to eat before they leave and inquires if Jhanak has decorated Aditi’s room.
Jhanak acknowledges Arshi’s question and affectionately refers to her as “Aditi didi ki amma,” which raises eyebrows among Aditi’s friends. They wonder why Jhanak is using such terms. Arshi reassures them that she is comfortable with it and comments on Jhanak’s difficulty in using formal titles like “sir” and “ma’am.” Anjana interjects, reminding them that Jhanak has completed her education up to the 12th grade and is preparing for the NEET exam, questioning why she shouldn’t be able to speak English. Arshi dismisses this, suggesting that someone like Jhanak should not have such dreams. Feeling out of place, Jhanak retreats inside.
Aditi and Rishi arrive shortly after, and Arshi beams with happiness at Aditi’s presence. She informs Anjana that Aditi has already applied vermilion on her forehead. Aditi explains that Indumati told her about the special day, prompting her to do so. Rishi offers sweets to Anjana, and Arshi tells Aditi that Jhanak has cleaned her room. She also mentions that she suggested Jhanak wear some of Aditi’s old clothes. Anjana requests Arshi to serve drinks to Rishi while she searches for Jhanak. Aditi mentions needing to give some books to Jhanak, and Arshi informs her that Jhanak is staying in the guest room. Aditi then heads inside to get ready.
In her room, Jhanak spots the vermilion box and reflects on her situation. She tells herself that she is no longer Rishi’s wife since she signed the divorce papers. Although those papers may not hold significance for her, she resolves not to interfere between Rishi and Aditi. Despite her thoughts, she applies the vermilion to her forehead, believing that Rishi will still be her husband.
When Aditi enters and sees the vermilion on Jhanak’s forehead, she is taken aback and demands to know what it means. Aditi scolds Jhanak, who is left in tears as Aditi drags her downstairs. The presence of the vermilion on Jhanak’s forehead draws everyone’s attention. Aditi confronts Rishi, asking him to see what Jhanak has done. Rishi, caught in the middle, responds that he cannot say anything since Jhanak did not consult him before applying the vermilion.
Aditi presses Jhanak about whose name she has applied the vermilion under, and one of Aditi’s friends labels Jhanak as greedy and shameless. Aniruddh intervenes, asking Jhanak to explain herself. In an emotional outburst, Jhanak tells him not to speak to her, expressing her frustration over being forced to sign the divorce papers. She insists that applying the vermilion is her choice and questions why it should matter to anyone else. Aditi accuses Jhanak of always creating drama and turns to Rishi for support, questioning his silence on the matter. Rishi, however, maintains that it is Jhanak’s decision to apply the vermilion.
Arshi chastises Jhanak for ruining Aditi’s special day, further escalating the tension. Meanwhile, Putul expresses her concern to Dadabhai about being unable to contact Jhanak, prompting Dadabhai to worry about her well-being. He had been against sending Jhanak to Aniruddh’s house, fearing for her safety. Indumati tries to reassure him that Jhanak is likely studying or has simply turned off her phone. Tanushri suggests that Aditi’s family will take care of Jhanak, but Dadabhai remains anxious, instructing Putul to call Rishi. Tanushri warns him that this might not be a good idea, but Dadabhai insists on knowing how Jhanak is doing.
Back at the gathering, Rumi questions Jhanak’s motives, asking what she hopes to prove by applying the vermilion. Jhanak explains that she did it because she felt alone in her room, but she is willing to remove it if it bothers everyone. As she attempts to wipe off the vermilion, Arshi tells her to stop the drama. Aniruddh advises Aditi to ignore Jhanak, but Rishi questions whether Jhanak should have come to their home if it means facing such humiliation. Jhanak responds that she endures insult everywhere she goes.
Aditi accuses Rishi of supporting Jhanak by saying this, to which Rishi counters by asking if Aditi truly places importance on the vermilion. He asserts that if Jhanak chose to apply it, that is her prerogative. Rishi then invites Jhanak to come live with him, which leads Aditi to declare that she will stay at her parents’ house if Rishi takes Jhanak in. Aditi’s friends chime in, questioning why Rishi would defend Jhanak, whom they see as a maid. Rishi challenges this label, insisting that Jhanak is not a maid. Jhanak, feeling defeated, states that she will remain where she is and apologizes to everyone, especially Aditi, recognizing the significance of the day for her.
The episode concludes.
