The episode begins with the family gathered in the doctor’s cabin, anxiously awaiting news about Neil. The doctor delivers some good news first, stating that the medicines are working and Neil’s physical condition has improved significantly. He recommends that they can take Neil home. The family is relieved, but their joy is short-lived. Vinod asks about Neil’s memory. The doctor explains that recovering from amnesia is a slow process; it could take days, months, or even years. As the brain swelling reduces, his memory will gradually return.
Vahini, concerned, asks about Savi and her children. She tearfully states that she doesn’t want that girl anywhere near her son. However, the doctor drops a bombshell. He explains that for Neil’s recovery, what he needs is more important than what anyone wants. He reveals that in Neil’s memory, it’s registered that Savi is his wife and the children are his. Therefore, for his well-being, it is crucial that Savi and the children stay with him. He instructs the family to act as if they are all one big, happy family. Any shock or revelation of the truth could be detrimental to his fragile mental state and worsen his condition.
Vahini is vehemently opposed to this idea, exclaiming that she will never let that girl into her house. The doctor remains firm, telling her it’s a difficult but necessary drama they must all perform until Neil recovers. He puts a difficult choice before her: does she hate Savi more, or does she love Neil more? Torn between her hatred for Savi and her love for her son, and with her husband and brother-in-law’s persuasion, a heartbroken Vahini finally agrees to the pretence, but only for Neil’s sake.
Later, the family brings Neil home. Vahini, with a heavy heart, performs an aarti to ward off the evil eye from Neil as he enters the house with Savi and the children. Neil, smiling, then asks his mother to perform the ritual for his “wife and children” as well. Vahini freezes, her face filled with pain and conflict. After a moment of hesitation, she does the aarti for Savi and the children, her hands trembling.
Inside Neil’s decorated room, the entire family gathers around him. Amrita brings a glass of turmeric milk. Neil, confused, looks at her and asks who she is. This question shocks everyone. Vinod steps in and introduces the family members one by one. He points to Amrita as ‘Amrita Kaku’, Bhushan as ‘Bhushan Bhau’, Manjari as ‘Manjari Tai’, and Yash as his brother. He then introduces himself as Neil’s ‘Baba’ (father) and a teary-eyed Vahini as his ‘Aai’ (mother). Unable to bear the charade, Vahini abruptly leaves the room. Neil apologizes to everyone, feeling guilty for not recognizing his own family. He says it must be strange for them. Vinod comforts him, telling him not to worry and to get some rest.
Meanwhile, in another room, Manjari explains the situation to the little girl, Sai. She tells Sai that for a few days, she must call ‘Pokey Uncle’ her ‘Baba’ (father). Manjari explains that her uncle is unwell and needs lots of love to get better. The innocent girl agrees, promising to take care of him.
Back in the bedroom, Neil asks Savi why the closet is empty and where her clothes are. Savi quickly lies, saying their room was being renovated. Neil then apologizes for not even remembering her name and asks her what it is. As she is about to answer, he feels a sharp pain in his head. He collapses onto the bed, and as he does, a photo frame hidden under his pillow falls to the floor. Savi picks it up and is stunned to see a picture of another woman, Tejaswini. The episode ends on Savi’s shocked and confused face.
Review
This episode was a rollercoaster of emotions, masterfully setting the stage for a complex and heart-wrenching new track. The doctor’s diagnosis and advice have put the family, especially Vahini and Savi, in an impossible situation. Vahini’s performance was the highlight of the episode; her internal conflict between her love for her son and her deep-seated animosity towards Savi was palpable and brilliantly portrayed. You could feel her pain with every forced smile and trembling hand during the aarti.
Neil’s memory loss, specifically remembering only Savi and her children, is a classic yet effective plot device that will surely lead to immense drama. The scenes where he fails to recognize his own family were touching and set a somber tone. The introduction of the lie they all have to live adds a thick layer of tension. Savi is now in the most difficult position, forced to play the role of a wife to a man who isn’t her husband, all while dealing with a family that despises her. The final scene, with the discovery of Tejaswini’s photo, was a perfect cliffhanger, opening up a new mystery and ensuring viewers will be back for more.
Recap Points
- The doctor informs the family about Neil’s partial amnesia, revealing he only remembers Savi and her children as his own family.
- He advises them to pretend to be a happy family to aid Neil’s recovery, a condition a reluctant Vahini agrees to for her son’s sake.
- Neil returns home but fails to recognize anyone except Savi, causing emotional distress to his family.
- Savi discovers a photo of another woman, Tejaswini, hidden in Neil’s room.
Plot Twists
- Neil suffers from partial amnesia, creating a false reality where Savi is his wife.
- The family is forced into a deception, allowing Savi and her children to live with them to protect Neil’s health.
- The existence of another woman, Tejaswini, is revealed through a photograph, suggesting a deeper secret in Neil’s past.
Predictions
- Vahini will find it increasingly difficult to maintain the facade, leading to frequent conflicts with Savi.
- Neil, living this lie, might develop genuine romantic feelings for Savi, further complicating the situation when his memory eventually returns.
- The mystery of Tejaswini will become a central plot point. Savi will likely try to find out who she is, which could either trigger Neil’s memory or cause him further psychological trauma if revealed improperly.