The episode opens with a tense atmosphere as Kapil, the supervisor, reprimands his employees for their apparent carelessness. The air is thick with anxiety as one employee mentions that Adit was also present during the incident the previous night. Kapil turns his attention to Adit, who remains silent, prompting Kapil to demand an explanation. Adit explains that Mangal had instructed him to leave, suggesting that he had no choice in the matter. Kapil, frustrated, scolds everyone for their negligence and insists that they must take their responsibilities seriously.
At that moment, Adit receives a phone call that interrupts the tension in the room. Stepping aside to take the call, he learns from a nurse at City Hospital that he must pay a ₹3 lakh advance to secure a surgery date for his mother. This news weighs heavily on him, and he hangs up, feeling the pressure of his financial situation. As he looks around, he notices his pen has fallen near the site of the recent explosion, a reminder of the chaos and his precarious job situation. Adit reflects on the urgency of his circumstances, realizing he cannot afford to lose his position, especially with his mother’s health at stake.
Meanwhile, Kapil instructs his team to search for clues regarding the incident, and the employees disperse to conduct their investigations. Adit spots Mangal standing alone and approaches her, feeling a sense of guilt for the accident. He confesses that the explosion occurred due to his negligence and expresses remorse for any harm she may have suffered. Mangal, however, questions his recklessness, emphasizing that his actions could have endangered others. She feels fortunate that the other workers had left before the incident took place. Adit reassures her that he will be more careful in the future.
As the search for evidence continues, Kapil gathers everyone again to inquire about their findings. In an unexpected turn, Mangal takes responsibility for the explosion, insisting that it was her fault. Kapil, taken aback, struggles to believe her claim, as Mangal has always been known for her diligence and caution. Nevertheless, Mangal persists, urging Kapil to allow the others to return to their tasks while she accepts any consequences for her actions. Kapil, disappointed by her decision, expresses his surprise and concern but is interrupted by a phone call, leaving the matter unresolved for the moment.
After Kapil departs, Mangal encourages the employees to resume their work. Adit expresses his gratitude for her willingness to protect him, acknowledging that her actions saved his job. Mangal clarifies that her decision was based on his admission of guilt, but warns him that she will not cover for him again if he repeats such mistakes. As she walks away, Adit reflects on his belief that Mangal would come to his aid, which prompted him to confess his error. He overhears other employees gossiping about the possibility of a special relationship between Mangal and Kapil, further complicating the dynamics at play.
Later, Akshat is seen speaking with Mangal over the phone, discussing his commitment to avoiding junk food. Mangal praises his efforts and inquires about Sowmya’s behavior, to which Akshat responds negatively. She then asks about Ishana’s return from her trip, and Akshat assures her it will be soon. Mangal, busy with her own tasks, ends the call.
As the day progresses, Mangal takes a moment to count her savings, feeling a sense of relief as she realizes she has enough for the down payment on her dream house for Kusum and the children. She tenderly cleans a model of the house crafted by Bhavya, lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, an unexpected event occurs when someone places a mask over her face and abducts her.
To her astonishment, Mangal finds herself at a surprise party organized by her female colleagues, who are celebrating her birthday. The Pehla Swaad workers eagerly invite her to join in the festivities. Mangal is overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing a halwa cake, as it reminds her of her mother’s cooking. Just then, she receives a call from Amma’s phone, and her heart lifts as Akshat wishes her a happy birthday, presenting her with a handmade card. He mentions that Dadi wants to speak with her, but Kusum takes the phone, reminding Akshat to focus on his responsibilities before walking away. Mangal, though momentarily shocked, finds comfort in Akshat’s cheerful demeanor and continues to celebrate with her colleagues. From a distance, Pratima observes the scene, contemplating how she can make the next day special for Mangal.
The following day, Akshat excitedly shows Kusum the birthday card he created for Mangal, asking if she will prepare halwa for her. Kusum hesitates, lost in memories of happier times shared with Mangal. Kamala offers to make the halwa instead, but Akshat insists that only Kusum’s halwa will do. Eventually, Kusum relents, and Akshat bursts with joy, running off to prepare for the celebration. In his excitement, he accidentally collides with Sowmya, causing his birthday card to fall. Sowmya notices the card and realizes it is for Mangal’s birthday.
Meanwhile, Kusum begins the process of making halwa, but Sowmya watches with a malicious intent, sensing that both mother and son are still emotionally invested in Mangal. She deliberately turns the stove to high and walks away, setting the stage for disaster. Soon after, Kamala alerts Kusum that the suji is burning. Sowmya returns, feigning innocence, and inquires about the commotion. When Kamala questions her about the situation, Sowmya coldly reminds them of how Mangal supposedly stole her happiness, suggesting that they should not burden Kamala with unnecessary tasks. This comment strikes a chord with Kusum, who leaves the kitchen in tears.
Later, Kusum encounters Mangal with Akshat, and she quickly wipes away her tears as Akshat presents the birthday card to Mangal, insisting on a celebration. Mangal suggests they wait for Ishana’s return to properly celebrate. Akshat playfully hints at another surprise, implying that it involves Kusum. However, Kusum silently walks away, leaving Mangal puzzled about her mother’s demeanor.
The episode concludes, leaving viewers eager to see how the relationships will evolve and whether Mangal’s birthday celebrations will unfold as planned amidst the underlying tensions.