The episode begins with Sowmya motivating Mangal to face her challenges, but Mangal appears anxious. Kusum tries to reach out to Mangal, but a team member stops her. Shanti informs Adit that Sowmya is causing trouble for Mangal, but Adit defends Sowmya, leading Shanti to decide to perform tapasya, praying for Mangal’s victory.
Adit expresses his confusion over Sowmya’s intentions, while Sudesh is suspicious, believing that Sowmya wants to sabotage Mangal’s chances of success. Sowmya tells Mangal that if she can’t figure out another way to complete her task, she might need to quit the competition. However, Mangal comes up with a plan and asks for permission to dry her clothes on the terrace under the sun. Sowmya initially declines but is overruled by Sid, who allows Mangal to use the terrace, ensuring a cameraman accompanies her.
On the terrace, Mangal lays out her items to dry but pauses to drink water, only to remember that she is fasting. Meanwhile, Kusum expresses her concerns for Mangal’s well-being. Mangal soon realizes that there isn’t enough sunlight to dry her clothes effectively. Sowmya tells the judges that quitting would be in Mangal’s best interest, but the anchor approaches Mangal, explaining that her dream of becoming an entrepreneur may vanish if she fails this challenge.
In a parallel storyline, Karthik asserts to his family that he is committed to marrying Jia and heads inside with her, leaving Lakshmi emotional and uncertain about her next move. Believing this to be a test of love, she resolves to stay close to Karthik to obstruct Jia’s plans. Outside, Sanjana, Umesh, and Gayatri notice Lakshmi’s absence. Sanjana admits to Gayatri that hiding the truth from Karthik was a mistake and questions whether she’ll allow him to marry Jia. Gayatri firmly states she will not permit it, while Umesh and Sanjana grow increasingly worried about Lakshmi’s situation.
Meanwhile, Lakshmi compiles evidence against Jia in hopes of revealing the truth to Karthik by the following day. As Karthik plays his guitar, he and Lakshmi share a moment of silent longing for each other. When Lakshmi finally approaches him, she reassures him that their bond can withstand the strain. However, Karthik, hurt and feeling betrayed, tells her she has misunderstood the essence of friendship.
Just then, Jia interrupts, causing Lakshmi to quickly retreat. Jia informs Karthik that the pandit will arrive the next day to set their wedding date.
**The episode ends.**