Prarthana urgently contacted Smita, informing her of a severe altercation between Shivansh and Raunak and imploring her to intervene. Smita initially expressed doubt about her ability to de-escalate the situation, but Prarthana insisted, emphasizing their maternal bond. Placing the call on speakerphone, Prarthana enabled Smita to directly appeal to Raunak. Smita pleaded with Raunak to cease the confrontation for her sake; however, Raunak disregarded her plea. Smita then implored Shivansh to stop for his mother’s sake.
Shivansh complied and instructed Raunak to depart, issuing a stern warning. After Raunak’s departure, Shivansh dismissed Bua Maa and Prarthana to their rooms. Upon Raunak’s return home, Smita inquired about his well-being and the reason for the confrontation with Shivansh. Raunak asserted Shivansh’s inability to harm him, expressing a dismissive view of Shivansh’s intelligence. Smita cautioned him against underestimating Shivansh, describing him as powerful, astute, and resilient. Raunak questioned Smita’s apparent favoritism towards Shivansh, asking if she considered him superior to her own son.
Smita reassured Raunak that he would always be paramount in her eyes, expressing concern that his actions might lead him into trouble. While Raunak remained unconvinced, Smita urged him to cease overthinking, reiterating her unwavering maternal support. She emphasized the current domestic stability and the need to resume their normal lives, mentioning their upcoming attendance at the Juneja wedding. Raunak questioned her concern for him, to which Smita replied that despite her care, he frequently disregarded her advice and made errors. Raunak stated his desire for autonomy in his endeavors.
Meanwhile, Bua Maa confronted Shivansh about his decision to sleep in the living room, suggesting Prarthana should occupy that space instead. Shivansh expressed no objection and praised Prarthana, acknowledging his previous unjust reprimands towards her. Bua Maa encouraged him to reflect on his actions. The following day, Payal visited Raunak, seeking to establish a friendly rapport. She informed him of his altercation with Shivansh. When questioned about her source, Payal asserted comprehensive knowledge of his affairs and disclosed advantageous news: a junior staff member from Shivansh’s office would act as an informant. Raunak welcomed this information, leading to a celebratory embrace from Payal, which Smita observed with contentment, viewing it as a sign of Raunak moving on. Smita reminded Raunak of the Juneja wedding, requesting his presence for two days, to which he consented.
Shivansh received intelligence regarding the Zaveri family’s outing. He informed Jai of his intention to exploit their absence by locking their residence as an act of retribution against the Zaveris. Jai recognized the significance of the Zaveri house to Shivansh. Bua Maa discovered Prarthana in the kitchen and inquired about her cooking. Prarthana stated her enjoyment in preparing food for Shivansh and asserted her integral role in the household. When Bua Maa questioned her intent to lecture, Prarthana emphasized their mother-daughter-like relationship.
Bua Maa suspected Prarthana’s underlying motives. Prarthana, in turn, voiced doubts about Bua Maa’s intentions towards Shivansh and urged her to cease her conspiratorial activities. Enraged, Bua Maa retreated to her room and recounted the incident to Tanya, who questioned if Prarthana had misbehaved. Bua Maa clarified that Prarthana, being cunning, had not misbehaved but had lectured her. Tanya advised Bua Maa to issue a warning to Prarthana. Bua Maa, however, opted against directly confronting Prarthana, instead deciding to target her covertly. Tanya inquired about her plan, and Bua Maa affirmed she would not expel Prarthana from the house. Payal informed Raunak of the spy’s message: Shivansh intended to exploit the Zaveri family’s absence to seal their house. Raunak initially expressed disbelief at Shivansh’s perceived depravity.
Payal corroborated the intelligence. Raunak then declared his intent to proceed with his own plan, adding that he would introduce a twist to Shivansh’s scheme. He instructed Payal to summon her bodyguards, promising to brief them on his strategy. Payal complied, arranging for the bodyguards to meet at the Zaveri house. Prarthana meticulously prepared Shivansh’s clothes. Shivansh smiled, appreciating her thoughtful gesture, and Prarthana encouraged him to maintain his positive demeanor, which he declined.
Upon confirming the meal’s readiness, Shivansh proceeded to change. Prarthana perceived him as a virtuous individual, demonstrating understanding of his character. Shivansh inquired about Bua Maa’s whereabouts from Prarthana. Tanya interjected, stating that Bua Maa had no appetite for dinner. Shivansh offered to persuade her to eat, but Prarthana urged him to proceed with his meal, volunteering to check on Bua Maa herself. She found Bua Maa resting, inquiring about her well-being.
Bua Maa had anticipated Shivansh’s visit. Prarthana then directly asked Bua Maa if she was displeased with her. Shivansh subsequently entered and inquired about Bua Maa’s refusal to eat. Bua Maa embraced him tearfully. Shivansh questioned her emotional state, emphasized her significance in his life, and encouraged her to confide in him. Shivansh reiterated his maternal regard for Bua Maa, asking if she had been offended and vowing to punish any perpetrator. Bua Maa pointed to Prarthana, asserting that Shivansh, her loving son, would not tolerate anyone causing her distress. Shivansh then directly accused Prarthana of wrongdoing towards Bua Maa, reiterating Bua Maa’s maternal status and warning Prarthana of severe consequences if she had indeed hurt her. He sternly demanded an explanation, leaving Prarthana distressed.