The episode opens with Mangal expressing that her hope has vanished with the sunlight. Tearful, she fears elimination from the competition. The cameraman instructs the lightman to illuminate the area, prompting Mangal to have a sudden realization. Shanti asserts with confidence, “I’m certain my daughter won’t give up.” Meanwhile, Sowmya doubts Mangal’s ability to salvage the situation.
Mangal turns to the anchor, requesting lights and asking him to obtain the judges’ consent. Sowmya tries to protest, but both the judges and audience rally behind Mangal, granting her the opportunity to use the lights. Frustrated, Sowmya points out that the time limit still stands at 20 minutes. Adit and the others commend Mangal for her clever approach.
The anchor and team move inside, and Mangal hurriedly dries her ingredients and packs them into bags. However, when attempting to return to the competition area, she discovers that the door is locked. It becomes evident that Niketan’s mother has deliberately shut it to hinder Mangal’s participation. The judges announce that only 10 seconds remain.
At the same time, Nysa, looking for her bran sticker, hears Mangal calling and opens the door for her. The countdown starts. Kusum anxiously wonders about Mangal’s delay. Just before time expires, Mangal reaches the stage, stunning Sowmya. However, as Mangal arrives, she collapses. Kusum panics, anxious for her daughter as the doctor examines Mangal.
In spite of the circumstances, Sowmya argues that Mangal should be disqualified for not returning in time. Sanjana agrees with Sowmya, endorsing her stance.
In another part of town, Jia informs Karthik that she has contacted a priest to finalize their wedding date. Karthik, still troubled, expresses his need for time to process recent events. Jia manipulates him, stating that Lakshmi will continue to cause trouble and that marriage would unite them against challenges. She encourages him to rest, but Karthik, unable to sleep, decides to head to the studio.
Feeling triumphant, Jia believes she has outsmarted the challenge while deeming Lakshmi a failure. Gayatri confronts Jia, reminding her that her original purpose was to help Karthik, not to coerce him into marriage. She urges Jia to reconsider, but Jia firmly states that she has been playing a game to stay close to Karthik and will marry him regardless. Gayatri vows to thwart the wedding, but Jia coldly warns her that she will reveal Gayatri’s secrets to Karthik if she interferes. She dismisses Gayatri, insisting that she needs to rest.
Back at the studio, Karthik asks the watchman to unlock the door. Meanwhile, Lakshmi arrives with evidence for Karthik, but before she can present it, she is suddenly overpowered and abducted with chloroform. Karthik hears a commotion and turns around, but sees no one.
Lakshmi awakens, tightly bound to a chair in a dimly lit warehouse. She inquires about her captor’s identity, but he threatens her to keep quiet. The masked man then communicates with Prema. Prema calls Jia, reassuring her that Lakshmi has been successfully kidnapped from the studio, leaving no cause for concern. Jia expresses her gratitude while Lakshmi frantically searches for an escape route.
The episode concludes.