Kumud wipes her tears as Saras watches her from a distance. She tells him that if they manage to make enough mud pots, they can soon buy the cow, and he will be able to leave from there quickly. She adds that this is what he wants, right? Saras silently agrees within himself, thinking she wants the same. He approaches her and says that since she asked him to leave, he doesn’t want to disappoint her by staying.
Kumud hides her emotions and replies that she isn’t planning to stay there all night either and urges him to finish the work quickly. Saras goes to the wheel and begins making pots, while Kumud assists by softening the clay. At Kumud’s house, Badimaa appears troubled, reflecting on the harsh words from Yash’s mother. Kumud’s mother tries to console her, advising her to ignore those remarks.
However, Badimaa expresses how deeply connected she feels to this house, where she has lived since her marriage. She adds that she’s grateful Kumari wasn’t present to witness the scene, as it would have been disheartening. Requesting some time alone, Badimaa closes her room’s door as Kumud’s mother leaves.
Back at Ilaben’s house, Kumud heads out to collect more mud. Saras insists on accompanying her. While walking, Kumud realizes they are nearing the lake where Saras’s mother ended her life. To protect him from revisiting that pain, she concocts an excuse, claiming that only women can approach that spot due to a tradition involving Devimaa.
Saras challenges her reasoning, saying it doesn’t align with her strong, fearless personality—like the time she defended him before the villagers. Kumud evades the topic and insists they focus on finishing their work, as his departure is all that matters. Saras, feeling hurt, stops in his tracks while Kumud walks away. At Vidyachatur’s house, he visits Gyaan and Chandrika’s room, visibly upset.
He confides in them about his efforts to keep everyone in the family happy, despite the challenges. Vidyachatur emphasizes that he views both Saras and Yash as his sons, hoping his family would understand his intentions even if the world doesn’t. Chandrika assures him of her trust, expressing gratitude for his selflessness. However, Gyaan remains silent, finally admitting that he feels useless and unworthy of speaking on family matters.
This revelation shocks Vidyachatur, who quietly leaves the room, leaving both Chandrika and Gyaan in emotional turmoil. At Ilaben’s house, Kumud returns with the mud. Saras questions her delay, to which she retorts, teasing him about being afraid. Their banter leads to Kumud tripping, causing her muddy hands to smear his face.
Laughing uncontrollably, she mocks his appearance. Saras, visibly annoyed, demands she clean his face. Kumud refuses but eventually apologizes after he feigns leaving. She playfully pushes him into the mud, much to his frustration. As Kumud continues laughing, Saras glares at her before falling silent. She offers her dupatta to clean his face, softening the moment.
The pair resume making pots, sharing lingering gazes and brief touches. Kumud comments on the quality of Saras’s work, playfully suggesting she’d buy his pots. Saras smiles and says he’ll name his price later. As Kumud leaves for the night, she advises Saras to water the soil to keep it workable. They exchange care-filled farewells, leaving Saras smiling as she departs.
At Kumud’s house, Badimaa confronts Kumud about spending the entire day with Saras. She warns Kumud about how the villagers might perceive their closeness, expressing disappointment. Kumud falls asleep as her mother reassures Badimaa of Kumud’s good intentions, believing everything Kumud does is for the family. However, Badimaa notices traces of mud on Kumud’s back and continues to worry.
