The episode opens with the matriarch, Dadi, plotting with her daughter, Urmila (who appears to be Anika’s mother, wearing a blue sari), to ensure Saru’s humiliation and removal from their lives. Dadi callously spills oil on the floor, intending for Saru to slip and fall as she approaches the puja area. Her plan is to send Saru tumbling out of the family, college, and life itself.
As Saru gracefully walks towards the ornately decorated space where a religious ceremony is being prepared, she steps on the hidden oil and loses her balance. Just as she’s about to fall, Ved, who was watching her, rushes forward and catches her hand, preventing a disastrous fall. Saru is shaken and visibly upset, clutching her arm. Anika, Urmila, and other family members look on in shock and concern, while Dadi registers her displeasure.
Ved helps Saru to her feet on the stairs, offering support. There’s a moment of intense eye contact and connection between them. As they descend, Ved subtly reassures her and even flirts, pointing out the matching color of their outfits and the “good start” to something, which he intends to make a “long journey.” Saru is embarrassed but also seems pleased by his attention.
However, the drama isn’t over. As Anika walks towards the puja area, she also steps on the oil Dadi spilled and takes a nasty fall, screaming in pain. Ved and the other family members rush to help Anika, who is writhing on the floor. Saru’s younger sister, Phulla, quickly tries to cover for Anika, suggesting she’s not used to wearing saris and her foot got tangled. Anika glares back at her and shushes her.
The Pandit arrives for the Gangadashara puja, meant for the return of the eldest granddaughter. Dadi introduces him to the family patriarch, Dada, who is in a wheelchair. The Pandit senses Dada’s worries but reassures him that everything will be fine with a little time. He then suggests that the youngest granddaughter should perform the puja. Dadi is thrilled, assuming this means Anika.
Anika steps forward, looking confident, and prepares to perform the Abhishekam (anointing) on the Shivling with sandalwood paste. However, as she pours the paste, her hand slips, and the bowl is thrown, splashing the paste haphazardly and falling on the ground. The family is shocked, Dadi furious, and Anika looks stunned.
The Pandit then reveals a major twist: the accidental Abhishekam on the Shivling by Saru is a divine sign from Lord Bholenath. Because of this auspicious act, the puja is now officially initiated by Saru. To make the ritual complete and fruitful, Pandit declares that Anika must perform the next step: washing Saru’s feet.
This demand causes outrage and shock among the family, particularly Dadi and Anika. Dadi vehemently protests, arguing that an outsider (Saru) cannot perform such a ritual involving her own granddaughter (Anika). Anika is horrified and initially refuses to participate, expressing disdain for the “lost girl puja” and stating she only came for formality and doesn’t care about rituals or her image, especially in front of Ved. Her mother tries to persuade her to cooperate for the sake of appearances.
However, the Pandit remains firm, emphasizing that the puja’s efficacy relies on a sincere heart and that Lord Bholenath’s will must be followed. Dada watches the scene with a pleased expression. Dadi, despite her initial fury, is forced to concede, perhaps realizing the religious significance or hoping to maintain face. She pressures a resistant Anika to comply, mentioning the importance of Ved’s opinion of her. Anika finally gives in, her face a mask of furious resentment.
Anika reluctantly sits before the crying Saru and performs the feet-washing ritual, pouring water over Saru’s feet with visible hatred and disgust. Saru is deeply distressed by the enforced ritual and Anika’s palpable animosity. Anika concludes the ritual and glares at Saru. Dadi looks satisfied that the ritual is being completed as the Pandit instructed. The Pandit declares the puja complete and fruitful, and the final scene shows Saru looking up with tears, while Anika maintains her angry facade.
Major Recap Points:
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Saru is nearly injured by a trap set by Dadi but is rescued by Ved, disrupting Dadi’s initial plan and creating a moment of connection between Saru and Ved.
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Due to an accidental act of worship by Saru, the priest declares her divinely chosen to lead the puja and mandates that Anika must perform a humiliating feet-washing ritual to complete it.
Plot Twists & Key Revelations:
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Dadi’s attempt to trip Saru backfires, resulting in Anika being the one who falls and highlighting Dadi’s cruel intentions.
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The unexpected intervention of the priest and his interpretation of Saru’s accidental action shifts the puja’s leadership and significance to Saru, overriding Dadi’s plans for Anika.
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The priest mandates a symbolic ritual where Anika must wash Saru’s feet, publicly humbling Anika and dramatically altering her status relative to Saru within the family context.
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Saru is identified as the “chosen” one through a birthmark on her arm, which the priest recognizes from a religious portrait, hinting at a preordained connection or destiny.
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Anika’s character is revealed to be extremely image-conscious, especially regarding Ved, and capable of outward defiance but ultimately yielding to Dadi’s authority when pressured about her standing.
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Dada, the patriarch, seems subtly pleased by the unexpected turn of events favoring Saru, suggesting he may not support Dadi’s intentions towards her.
Predicted Outcomes (Next Episode/Arc):
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Anika will retaliate fiercely against Saru following the humiliation of washing her feet, potentially escalating her plotting beyond simple pranks.
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Dadi will likely adjust her strategy, perhaps focusing on discrediting Saru based on her background rather than relying solely on physical traps, or trying to undermine the priest’s interpretation.
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Ved’s relationship with Saru will deepen due to his protective actions and shared moments during the puja, leading to increased tension with Anika and Dadi.
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The significance of Saru’s birthmark and the priest’s prophecy will become a central plot point, potentially revealing her true identity or a larger destiny tied to the family.
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The “fruitful” puja might result in the return of the eldest granddaughter in the next episode, adding another layer of family dynamics and potential conflict or alliance involving Saru.