The episode opens with a tense atmosphere in the Gohel household. Savi finds herself defending Dr. Neil, stating emphatically that he is the sole reason Riddhi is safe with them today. She insists that without his help, she would have never been able to reach Riddhi. Savi tries to downplay the situation, urging the family not to blow a small matter out of proportion.
Srichand Gohel, the family patriarch, unexpectedly sides with Savi. He silences the dissent, declaring that Dr. Neil has done nothing wrong. He reminds everyone that Neil took a bullet to save their family’s daughter, Riddhi, and that they owe him their gratitude. He decides to end the matter by preparing for a special puja. When a family member suggests inviting Dr. Neil to the puja, Kaki vehemently objects. However, Srichand overrules her, stating it is their duty to thank Neil, a duty his deceased son Rajat would have fulfilled. Pressured, Kaki reluctantly agrees.
Meanwhile, at his home, an injured Neil is adamant about going out, despite his brother’s concerns about his bullet wound. Neil reveals his true motivation: he cannot rest until he finds the killer of someone named Tejaswini. He believes that the location of Riddhi’s kidnapping holds the key, and finding her kidnapper will ultimately lead him to Tejaswini’s murderer.
His investigation is interrupted by a phone call from Srichand Gohel. After a formal introduction, Srichand expresses his gratitude and invites Neil and his family to a puja he has organized at the Ganpati temple. Neil, focused on his mission, politely declines the invitation, citing important work.
However, Srichand has a backup plan. He puts his granddaughter, Sai, on the phone. The little girl melts Neil’s heart by calling him “Pookie Uncle” and emotionally persuading him to attend. She insists she has a card for him and won’t take no for an answer. Defeated by her innocence, Neil agrees. Sai then innocently asks to speak to his mother. Neil, surprised, hands the phone to his mother, Leena.
Sai charms Leena as well, inviting her whole family to the puja. Bound by the child’s sweet request and the sanctity of a puja invitation, Leena promises they will all attend, much to the displeasure of her husband.
Later, the Pradhan family arrives at the beautifully decorated temple. Neil is greeted warmly by Sai, who introduces him to her family as “Pookie Uncle.” The atmosphere is thick with tension as the two families meet. Srichand welcomes them, but his pleasantries hide a sinister intent. As the aarti begins, his internal thoughts reveal his true plan: to create a massive rift between Neil and Savi to punish them for rescuing Riddhi from his clutches. The episode ends with Srichand eyeing the unsuspecting couple, ready to set his destructive plan in motion.
Major Recap Points
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Srichand’s Invitation: Despite his family’s disapproval, Srichand masterfully orchestrates an invitation for Dr. Neil and his entire family to attend a special puja, setting the stage for his hidden agenda.
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Neil and Family’s Arrival: Convinced by the innocent plea of a child, Neil puts his personal investigation on hold and arrives at the puja with his family, unknowingly walking into a trap set by Srichand.
Plot Twists & Key Revelations
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Srichand’s Sinister Motive: The biggest revelation is that Srichand’s gratitude is a façade. He secretly resents Neil and Savi for rescuing Riddhi from his control and has invited them to the puja with the explicit intention of destroying their bond and creating chaos.
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Neil’s Secret Mission: We learn that Neil’s involvement is not a coincidence. He is driven by a personal vendetta to find the killer of a woman named Tejaswini, and he believes Riddhi’s case is connected to it.
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The “Pookie Uncle” Connection: The endearing term “Pookie Uncle” used by little Sai for Neil is the emotional key that bypasses everyone’s reservations, making his attendance at the puja unavoidable.
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Neil’s Mother Disapproves: Neil’s mother, Leena, is deeply unhappy about his association with Savi’s family, creating a potential source of conflict within the Pradhan family.
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A Child’s Innocent Wish: Sai innocently expresses her wish for a bigger family, tragically unaware that her grandfather is about to tear one apart and that her own family is fractured by the loss of her father and grandfather.
Predicted Outcomes (Next Episode/Arc)
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Srichand’s Trap: Srichand will use the public setting of the puja or the subsequent party (shown in the precap) to frame Neil and Savi, possibly by orchestrating a compromising situation between them to fuel Kaki’s anger.
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Kaki’s Public Outburst: The precap clearly shows Kaki accusing Savi of having an affair. This will likely lead to a huge public humiliation for Savi, who will be devastated by the false allegations.
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Savi Loses Her Baby: Following the public drama, Kaki will most likely take Savi’s baby away from her, deeming her an unfit mother. This will become the central emotional conflict for Savi.
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Escalating Family Feud: The incident will ignite a full-blown feud between the Gohel and Pradhan families. Leena, already suspicious, will likely side against Savi, putting immense pressure on Neil.
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Neil’s Loyalty Tested: Neil will be forced to choose between defending Savi, whom he knows is innocent, and managing the fallout with his own family. This crisis will test his resolve and his feelings for Savi.