Kumud, Saras, Kumari, and Kusum are in the kitchen. Saras remembers Kumud’s instruction to maintain a distance, so they both step back awkwardly. Kumari notices this and questions their behavior. Saras is about to reveal Kumud’s request, but Kumud interrupts, saying she will prepare tea for everyone.
Later, Kumud serves tea to Chandrika, who comments that it lacks sweetness as Kumud forgot to add sugar. Kumud tastes it to confirm, then goes to the kitchen to fix it. Saras sees the tea and starts drinking it. Kumud catches him and reminds him that it is her tea, but Saras playfully continues drinking, saying he’s just following her rule of maintaining a distance. Kumud is visibly annoyed yet amused.
The phone rings, and Kumud learns from her mother that Vidyachatur isn’t working well due to stress. Determined to help, she decides to fulfill an order herself but requests her mother not to inform Vidyachatur. Ghuman overhears this and smiles slyly. Meanwhile, Ghuman approaches Saras, claiming she arranged for him to meet an agent about land for his mother’s school. Though suspicious, Saras agrees to meet the agent.
On their way out, Kumud and Saras bump into each other again. Saras steps back, maintaining the distance. Kumari sees this and teasingly suggests they go together, but Saras lets Kumud go first. Kumud completes the order to protect her father’s reputation, while Saras discusses buying land for the school. During this time, Saras notices Kumud trying on bangles.
Through playful gestures, he suggests red bangles suit her better, though she pretends to prefer green. Their silent exchange is observed through a mirror, accompanied by the soft tune of “O piya.” Suddenly, chaos erupts as goons arrive. The panicked crowd scatters, and Saras protects Kumud, guiding her to safety. They take refuge in a rice shop. While Saras secures the door, he injures his hand. Kumud thanks him for saving her and notices his wound.
Despite his refusal, she splashes water on him from a distance to clean the wound, leaving him surprised and her amused. Back home, Badimaa prepares Kumud’s favorite curry, anticipating her return. Ghuman subtly remarks that Kumud and Saras might return together. Kusum suggests taking a bus to bring them back, but Vidyachatur informs them it’s a bandh (strike) day, leaving everyone worried.
Yash’s mother slyly comments that if Kumud and Saras develop a deeper connection, it could spell trouble for them. In the shop, Kumud expresses concern about how she’ll return home. Saras assures her they’ll have to wait. Their conversation shifts, with Kumud asking about his life. Saras shares that he’s used to living alone, whereas Kumud admits she cannot imagine a life without family.
He surprises her by recounting details of her life—her poetry, art, and contributions to her father’s work. Curious, Kumud questions whether Saras ever had a girlfriend. He denies it, joking about her persistent inquiries. When Saras asks why she insists on keeping a four-step distance, Kumud avoids answering. They bicker playfully and eventually open the shop door together, exchanging smiles.
