Kumud hands Vidyachatur some food for his journey. Saras approaches and praises her for reconciling with Vidyachatur without his help. Kumud smiles but gets hurt accidentally, prompting Saras to insist on helping. He tends to her bleeding foot with care, but their tender moment is observed by Ghuman from a distance.
As Saras leaves to fetch a first aid kit, Ghuman remarks on Kumud’s beauty but questions her small-town nature and intentions. She warns Kumud to stay away from Saras, but Kumud taunts her back, leaving Ghuman both smiling and visibly angered. Kumud, struggling to walk, recalls Ghuman’s words and becomes deeply troubled.
When Saras returns with the aid kit, she refuses his help, stating that the wound will continue to hurt regardless. She firmly tells him to maintain distance for the sake of their families and to act like strangers, just as they were before he arrived. Though pained, Saras agrees and vows to respect her wishes, stepping back symbolically to show his resolve.
Meanwhile, Kumud’s mother expresses to Badimaa her belief in Saras’ goodness, crediting him for healing the rift with Vidyachatur. Badimaa is hopeful Saras will eventually reconcile with Kumud, despite the heartbreak she is enduring. They both trust that Saras will find a way to make amends. During dinner, Saras avoids eating with the family, and Kumud, still haunted by Ghuman’s harsh words, notices his absence.
Later, Saras, hungry, visits the kitchen but finds nothing left. He then discovers Kumud asleep on a chair with a plate of food she had prepared for him. Hesitant to wake her directly, he throws flowers to rouse her. When she awakens, she questions his method, to which Saras cheekily reminds her of her rule about maintaining distance. Despite their awkwardness, the moment reveals their lingering care for one another.
The next morning, Kumari teases Kumud about Saras, but Kumud dismisses her remarks. Saras returns with empty plates, mentioning that Kumud had thoughtfully left food for him the previous night. He playfully comments on helping with the dishes to ease her workload. When Kumud takes the plate from his hand, they accidentally bump into each other, sparking a brief but intense moment of eye contact.
