The episode opens with contestants preparing their dishes for the competition. Niketan is anxious about the potential revenge from Sowmya, so he plots to sabotage Mangal’s dish to secure Sowmya’s product. Sid informs Sowmya that Mangal is their preferred contestant. In a calculated move, Niketan intentionally causes Mangal to fall, injuring her right hand. Kusum notices and grows concerned, but the organizers prevent her from approaching Mangal. The doctor examines Mangal and advises her to get her hand bandaged, yet Mangal firmly refuses, determined to finish her task. The anchor offers her an option to leave the competition, but she stands her ground. The crowd responds with applause for her tenacity.
Shanti confronts Adit, expressing her frustrations with him for failing to keep track of Sowmya. She reminds him that he once controlled their daughter, insisting that if Sowmya harms Mangal, there will be consequences. Adit reassures her that Mangal will be fine, but Shanti, eager for Mangal to succeed, begins a one-foot tapasya in the temple room as a prayer for her victory.
Meanwhile, Sowmya intentionally disrupts Nysa’s work by instructing her to finish the hand embroidery. Mangal intervenes to assist Nysa, patiently teaching her the embroidery technique. Later, when Mangal checks on her dehydrator, she discovers that her product is incomplete due to Sowmya cutting the wire. Sowmya mocks her, suggesting she complete it the old-fashioned way while reminding her of the ticking clock.
In a parallel storyline, Karthik insists on confronting Lakshmi. When he visits her room, the fan accidentally turns on, scattering photos of Karthik across the floor, inadvertently making it seem like Lakshmi has an obsession with him. This troubles Umesh and Sanjana, but Sanjana warns Gayatri that if Karthik’s memory returns, he might hold Lakshmi accountable. It’s unveiled that Jia spread the photos purposefully to set Lakshmi up.
Karthik confronts Lakshmi about her intentions. Just as tensions rise, Jia enters, feigning surprise at the photos and accusing Lakshmi of being creepy. She questions Lakshmi’s marriage, implying she only entered the house to win over Karthik and makes inappropriate comments about Lakshmi’s husband. Furious, Lakshmi warns Jia to stop disrespecting her husband, but Karthik presses Lakshmi for the truth about her identity.
Fearing for Karthik’s health, Lakshmi remains silent about their past. In desperation, Karthik attempts to uncover the truth in other ways. Eventually, Lakshmi admits her love for him. Infuriated, Karthik accuses her of betrayal, questioning how she could expect love from him while trying to create a rift between him and Jia.
Lakshmi breaks down in tears, and Karthik takes her hand, firmly warning her to stay out of their relationship. He orders that she should not even mention his name. Heartbroken, he goes downstairs and proclaims to the family that Lakshmi should be thrown out. While some family members resist his decision, Karthik remains resolute, insisting Lakshmi is trying to separate him from Jia for her own gain.
The episode concludes on this tense note.