The episode opens on a dark, ominous night. A large, imposing mansion is illuminated by a stark blue light. Bhadra, a woman adorned in a vibrant pink and purple saree, drives up in a jeep. Her expression is one of grim satisfaction as she spots a figure lying unconscious on the ground near the mansion’s entrance. Believing it to be Pratigya (also known as Bala), the “panauti” (bad omen) she despises, Bhadra exits her vehicle with a relieved smile. She monologues about finally being rid of the curse on her house and how her daughter, Parnika, will be overjoyed. We see a quick cut to Bala, unconscious and covered by a gunny sack, confirming Bhadra’s murderous intent. Bhadra imagines the tears in Pratigya’s eyes and the joy on her daughter’s face, relishing the thought.
However, as she approaches the figure, a dramatic shift occurs. She calls out “Parni?” and upon turning the body over, is horrified to realize it’s her own daughter, Parnika, who is unconscious. Panic-stricken, she rushes to Parnika, trying to wake her and screaming for help from “Bhaiya” (presumably her husband, Dhananjay).
The scene then cuts to a dark forest. Pratigya (Bala), wearing a yellow and red half-saree, is desperately searching for “Bala” (seemingly unaware that she herself is Bala in this context, or perhaps under some illusion). She is being pursued by a young boy, Sarparaj, who has glowing green eyes. Prem, a young man, appears and tries to lead Pratigya to safety, warning her about Sarparaj. Pratigya injures her foot on a thorn, and Prem tenderly removes it.
Despite Prem’s insistence that they return home as Sarparaj will kill them, Pratigya is fixated on finding and saving “Bala.” She accuses Prem of faking concern to get closer to her. Prem, hurt, declares he will follow her to protect her. As Pratigya continues her search, Sarparaj, the boy, transforms into a giant, menacing cobra with glowing eyes. The cobra swiftly attacks and bites Prem on the arm.
Pratigya rushes to Prem’s side as he writhes in agony. In his dying moments, Prem tearfully asks Pratigya to confess if she loves him. Overcome with emotion and distress, Pratigya admits she does. Prem smiles faintly and succumbs to the venom. In a desperate and selfless act, Pratigya sucks the venom from Prem’s wound and spits it out. The poison immediately takes effect on her; her skin turns blue, and she collapses unconscious.
Meanwhile, in a dark, torch-lit cave, a sorceress named Bhutki is in a trance. A small, winged, glowing orb (a “bhoot” or spirit) informs her that Sarparaj has bitten Prem, and Pratigya, by sucking the venom, is now dying. The bhoot warns Bhutki that if Pratigya dies, the secret to the Naag Khazana (Snake Treasure) will be lost forever, implying Pratigya is key to finding it. Bhutki realizes she needs Pratigya alive.
Back at the mansion, the family – including Parnika (who has recovered), an older woman (Nani/Grandmother), and Arvind (Prem’s mother) – are gathered in distress. Dhananjay (Prem’s father) enters, and Parnika tearfully recounts how Prem and Pratigya went out to find Bala (Sarparaj). Dhananjay grimly states they went to find their death. Bhadra confirms that Sarparaj is out to kill both Prem and Pratigya due to a curse. Parnika blames Pratigya for luring Prem out.
Just then, a mysterious old woman, a Vaidya (traditional healer), arrives. Bhadra, desperate, pleads with her to save Pratigya, who has been brought inside and is lying unconscious on the sofa, her skin a deathly blue. The Vaidya examines Pratigya, notes her weak pulse, and gravely declares that the poison has spread throughout her body and her life is in grave danger. The family looks on in shock and fear as the episode ends.
Major Recap Points:
- Prem’s Death and Pratigya’s Sacrifice: Sarparaj, in his cobra form, bites Prem. To save him, Pratigya sucks the venom from his wound, leading to her own poisoning and unconsciousness, turning her skin blue. Prem dies after Pratigya confesses her love for him.
- Bhadra’s Misguided Attack & Revelation of Intent: Bhadra, intending to harm Pratigya/Bala, mistakenly attacks her own daughter Parnika. This incident reveals her deep-seated hatred for Pratigya/Bala and her desire to eliminate her.
Plot Twists & Key Revelations:
- Mistaken Identity: Bhadra attacks Parnika, believing her to be Pratigya/Bala, revealing the depth of her animosity and a shocking error in her plan.
- Sarparaj’s True Form: The young boy Sarparaj is revealed to be an Ichchadhari Naag (shapeshifting cobra) capable of transforming into a giant snake.
- Pratigya/Bala’s Self-Poisoning: In a desperate attempt to save Prem, Pratigya sucks the venom from his snakebite, thereby poisoning herself.
- The Naag Khazana (Snake Treasure): The sorceress Bhutki and her spirit familiar reveal that Pratigya/Bala is crucial for finding a hidden snake treasure, adding a new dimension to why various parties might want her alive or dead.
- Dhananjay’s Curse: It’s reiterated that Sarparaj is hunting Prem and Pratigya due to a curse involving Dhananjay, highlighting the deep-rooted conflict.
- Prem’s Dying Confession: Prem extracts a love confession from Pratigya just before dying, adding a tragic romantic layer to their relationship.
Predicted Outcomes (Next Episode/Arc):
- Pratigya/Bala’s Survival: The Vaidya’s arrival suggests an attempt to save Pratigya. Bhutki, needing Pratigya alive for the treasure, might also intervene, possibly with her own dark magic or by guiding the Vaidya. Pratigya’s Naagkanya nature might also play a role in her survival.
- Dhananjay’s Grief and Fury: Dhananjay, already aware of Sarparaj’s threat, will be devastated by Prem’s death. He might become even more determined to eliminate Sarparaj and could blame Pratigya for luring Prem into danger, further escalating family tensions. His “Garuda” powers might be showcased.
- Bhadra’s Internal Conflict: Bhadra, having nearly killed her own daughter and now witnessing Pratigya’s sacrifice (albeit indirectly leading to her poisoning after Prem’s death), might experience a shift in her feelings. She might start to see Pratigya differently, especially if she learns Pratigya saved Parnika earlier.
- The Race for the Treasure: Bhutki will likely try to ensure Pratigya’s survival to exploit her connection to the Naag Khazana. This could lead to her clashing with Sarparaj or trying to manipulate the family.
- Sarparaj’s Continued Threat: With Prem dead, Sarparaj might feel his curse is partially fulfilled but will likely continue to target Pratigya/Bala and other family members to complete his revenge.