Anupama looks at Aadhya on the bus. Ansh teases her for not being able to take her eyes off Aadhya. Anupama replies, “I just want to see my daughter’s face. I have seen her after so many years.” As Aadhya sleeps, her head falls on Anupama’s shoulder. Ansh clicks their picture, and Anupama smiles, posing for it.
Meanwhile, Mahi and Pari decorate a welcome rangoli with flowers. Pakhi comments that no one ever welcomed them like this. Toshu sarcastically tells her to leave and return after a few years to get the same treatment. Dolly wonders if Aadhya is truly Choti Anu. Toshu insists she is an outsider, and despite the family’s struggles, Anupama is bringing her here.
Baa questions Toshu, asking if he would dare say this to Anupama. Toshu remains silent. Baa reminds them that Anupama has taken care of them, even after Vanraj and Toshu sold the house to a builder. She was the one who got the house back. She asks if she should now tell Anupama not to bring her own daughter home. Pakhi worries, “What if she’s a fraud and deceives us?” Baa scoffs, “It’s not like we have hidden treasure here.”
Dolly adds, “Even if she’s a fraud, I just hope she isn’t Choti Anu.” Toshu declares he will ask Anupama to prove Aadhya’s identity. Aadhya wakes up and questions Anupama for not waking her. Anupama calmly responds, “I’m just doing my duty.” Ansh asks Aadhya how she ended up here. She replies that she is Rahi. Her eyes well up as she recalls the past. Ansh asks if she never missed them. Aadhya coldly replies, “All relationships ended with Pops.”
Anupama offers her theplas, reminding her how she used to love them. Aadhya refuses, stating she has no relationship with Anupama and is only going with her due to the deal. She warns, “If you interfere, I will create such chaos in Krishna Kunj that you will regret taking me there.” Anupama looks worried. Ansh eats the theplas, praising their taste.
Baa prays for peace in the house and asks God to prevent Aadhya from coming home. The bus stops at a dhaba. The driver instructs the passengers to use the restroom as the bus won’t stop until Ahmedabad. Aadhya steps out. Anupama asks where she’s going. “Washroom,” Aadhya replies curtly, demanding to be left alone.
Ansh questions why Aadhya speaks so rudely to Anupama. Anupama sighs, “I don’t know. Ask her yourself.” Aadhya stands before Dwarkadeesh, questioning why she was forced into this deal with the very woman she never wanted to see. She worries about how the children will live without her and how Vyas uncle will manage.
Anupama hesitates, wondering if she should check on Aadhya, but decides against it. Meanwhile, Aadhya contemplates running away, determined not to go to Ahmedabad. Inside the washroom, Anupama accidentally bumps into another woman while Aadhya hides. After apologizing, Anupama steps outside, waiting for Aadhya. Realizing Aadhya isn’t inside, she calls out, “Rahi… Choti?”
Aadhya is already sneaking away when Prem appears and grabs her hand. Shocked, she exclaims, “You!” Prem smiles and asks if she is running away from her mother. Anupama frantically searches for Aadhya and panics, “I’ve lost my daughter again after so many years. I don’t deserve to be called a mother!”
Aadhya angrily demands Prem let go of her hand. He calmly replies, “I won’t, if you’re running away from your mother.” She glares at him, “Who do you think you are?” He smirks, “I am Anu Maa’s supporter, not yours. I promised her that I would reunite her with her daughter.” Aadhya warns him to back off. Prem pulls her closer and says, “When children misbehave, they should be brought back to their mother.”
Meanwhile, Toshu rehearses his excuses to lie to Anupama. Kinjal teases, “You’ll fail in front of Mummy because you’re scared of her.” Toshu insists he doesn’t want to stress her. Kinjal raises an eyebrow, “Really? Then tell her the truth. She’ll scold you.” Toshu snaps, “Stop acting like my wife! I’ll handle my problems.” Kinjal sarcastically advises him to come up with a convincing excuse.
Anupama, in a panic, instructs Ansh to find Choti, fearing she will lose her again. Prem arrives, holding Aadhya’s hand, and says, “She’s not going anywhere.” He dramatically ties Anupama’s dupatta to Aadhya’s wrist and reveals, “Your daughter tried to escape.” Then, he jokingly adds, “I was kidding—she was just looking for you.”
Ansh asks Prem if he was following them. Prem explains that his jeep broke down on the way to Ahmedabad, so he had to catch the same bus. He declares, “Now, I’m traveling with you.” They board the bus together.
Meanwhile, at home, Ishani is tense and ignores an incoming call. Pari and Mahi notice her mood. Mahi offers to make her coffee, but Ishani refuses. Mahi insists she share what’s wrong, but Ishani snaps, “Leave me alone.” Mahi tries to lighten the mood, “Don’t be upset! Today, Aadhya didi is coming!” Ishani grumbles, “Why is she coming? Anu Maa will keep fussing over her, and we will all be ignored.” Pakhi dismisses her worries and asks about her shoot and picnic. Annoyed, Ishani retorts, “Do I look like a school kid who updates you on everything?” She storms off.
Kinjal shakes her head, “At least my Pari isn’t rude like Ishu. Now you’ll understand how Mummy felt when you misbehaved with her.” Pakhi snaps, “I didn’t ask for a lecture! I can handle my daughter.” Pari sighs, “Everyone’s mood is ruined. How will we welcome Aadhya fui now? Back on the bus, Prem takes a photo. Ansh asks him about his profession. Prem shares, “I perform musical plays with my team.” Ansh asks where he lives, and Prem casually responds, “Wherever I go.” He adds that his true passion is cooking.
Aadhya scoffs, “He probably just peels vegetables.” Anupama asks if he enjoys cooking. Prem enthusiastically replies, “I have a hotel management degree and have learned every cuisine. Cooking is all about the right mix of spices!” Ansh jokes, “So, is your surname Prem Masala?” The passengers laugh. As the bus reaches Ahmedabad, Anupama whispers, “Kapadia ji, I won’t let our daughter go anywhere.” They take a taxi to Krishna Kunj. Prem admires the house, praying for Anupama and Aadhya’s reunion.
Ansh rushes out of the taxi, calling for everyone to come outside. Dolly grows nervous. Anupama urges Aadhya to step out. Aadhya hesitantly gets down, recalling her childhood memories with the kids. Anupama watches her, eyes brimming with emotions. Ansh calls out to the Krishna Kunj residents, and Aadhya stands there, overwhelmed. Anupama gently reassures her, “Everyone here is family.” Aadhya coldly responds, “If you’re not mine, how can your family be mine?”
