Sanjana questions Lakshmi about sleeping in a separate room, sensing something was amiss. Gayatri quickly covers up by saying Karthik had a viral infection, which led to Lakshmi’s absence. However, Sanjana is not convinced and points out that Karthik looked perfectly fine when she met him. Gayatri dismisses Sanjana’s doubts and orders Lakshmi back to her room. Sanjana warns Gayatri that her schemes to create distance between Lakshmi and Karthik will not go unpunished. Unbeknownst to Gayatri, Lakshmi overhears their heated conversation, deepening her confusion and worries about her relationship.
Faced with the daunting task of cooking for seven people, Saumiya realizes she is in over her head. Instead of preparing the meal herself, she decides to order food from a restaurant. To keep her secret intact, she asks the delivery rider to meet her at the back window so she can discreetly collect the food. As she waits for the food, Saumiya takes selfies in the kitchen, pretending to cook. She sends one of the selfies to Adit, who smiles at her playful deception, but the scenario quickly takes a tense turn when Ishana catches a glimpse of the photo and teases Adit. Annoyed by Ishana’s intrusion, Adit snaps at her, emphasizing the importance of respecting privacy.
Meanwhile, Mangal notices something odd in the kitchen. She spots water dripping from the flour and becomes suspicious. When the delivery rider arrives, Saumiya panics, asking him to leave before Mangal sees him. Mangal, curious about the commotion, insists on inspecting the kitchen, but Kusum intervenes, urging her to let Saumiya work in peace. As Mangal and Kusum leave, Saumiya breathes a sigh of relief, quickly grabbing the food from the delivery rider and tipping him. However, the bill slips unnoticed onto the floor, a clue that will later ignite a bigger drama.
Karthik’s Cold Shoulder and Lakshmi’s Concern
Lakshmi goes to check on Karthik, only to find him distant and unresponsive. She tries to engage him in conversation, but he mentions the note she left, which puzzles Lakshmi as she has no idea what he’s talking about. Their tense exchange is interrupted by Gayatri’s sudden scream from another room. Lakshmi rushes to assist Gayatri, who claims to have sprained her ankle. As Lakshmi applies medication to Gayatri’s foot, Gayatri encourages Karthik to leave for his recording, reassuring him that Lakshmi will take care of her. Although Karthik agrees, the tension between him and Lakshmi remains unresolved.
Back in the dining area, Mangal and Ishana discuss dinner plans. Mangal, wary of eating outside food, insists on home-cooked meals due to Ishana’s allergies. Saumiya, under mounting pressure, finally serves the food, proudly presenting the dishes as her own creations. Adit praises her, impressed by the variety she prepared. Saumiya, unable to bear the guilt, admits that she didn’t cook everything herself. She confesses to learning from videos and taking inspiration from the family’s own cooking habits.
Adit tries to console her, appreciating her efforts and downplaying the importance of cooking skills. He remarks that Saumiya’s ability to balance work and cooking is commendable, especially since she is not confined to the kitchen like some traditional stereotypes. However, the tension rises when Ishana begins to feel unwell, showing signs of an allergic reaction.
The Allergy Scare and Saumiya’s Exposure
Ishana screams in pain, alarming everyone at the table. Kusum immediately checks if she ate anything outside, but Ishana insists she stayed home all day. Mangal rushes to give her allergy medicine, trying to determine the cause of Ishana’s sudden reaction. She questions Saumiya about the ingredients used, particularly suspecting the presence of white flour. Saumiya denies using anything harmful, but Ishana’s condition worsens, prompting Mangal to continue her investigation.
While inspecting the area, Mangal discovers the bill that had fallen near her feet earlier. She picks it up and realizes it’s a receipt from the restaurant with their house address and phone number, confirming her suspicions. Mangal confronts Saumiya, exposing her lie in front of the whole family. The revelation leaves everyone stunned, with Mangal holding the bill as undeniable proof of Saumiya’s deceit.
The family’s reactions are mixed. Kusum and Adit express disappointment, feeling betrayed by Saumiya’s lack of honesty. Mangal, deeply hurt, sees Saumiya’s actions as disrespectful, especially since she tried to pass off restaurant food as her own. Saumiya, overwhelmed by guilt, tries to explain that her intention was never to deceive but simply to manage the overwhelming task of cooking for everyone. However, her explanation does little to ease the anger and disappointment felt by her family members.
In the end, Saumiya’s attempt to balance her personal and household responsibilities backfires, causing more harm than good. The incident not only exposes Saumiya’s inability to handle the pressures of domestic expectations but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honesty within family dynamics. While the family eventually forgives her, the trust that was broken takes time to rebuild, leaving Saumiya to reflect on her actions and the impact of her choices on those around her.