The episode opens at the City Hospital where Aniruddh is being rushed into surgery. His arm and shoulder were badly injured while saving Jhanak from the falling light fixture. Arshi is in a state of hysteria, but her concern is mixed with vitriol. She publicly blames Jhanak, shouting that Jhanak is a “curse” on Aniruddh’s life. Jhanak stands silently in the corridor, her face still covered in stage makeup, refusing to leave until she knows he is out of danger.
Srishti’s Ultimatum
Srishti Mukherjee arrives at the hospital and immediately confronts the show’s producers. She demands that Jhanak (performing under the name Nutan) be disqualified immediately due to the “scandal” and her “criminal background.” However, the head judge, Rudra Pratap, takes a firm stand. He tells Srishti that the accident was a security lapse, not Jhanak’s fault, and that the audience’s response to her face reveal has tripled the show’s ratings.
The Bose Family Rift
Back in Kolkata, the news of the accident and Jhanak’s identity spreads like wildfire. Bapuji and Chotto argue that the family should go to Mumbai to support Aniruddh and Jhanak. However, Tanuja and Shubho are adamant—they disown any connection to Jhanak and forbid anyone from taking her name in the house. This creates a clear divide in the Bose family, with the younger generation starting to question the elders’ cruelty.
The Climax: Aniruddh’s First Words
The episode ends with a high-tension scene in the ICU. As the anesthesia wears off, Aniruddh regains consciousness. Arshi rushes to his side, but Aniruddh ignores her hand. His eyes wander around the room until they land on Jhanak, who is watching through the glass partition. He weakly whispers, “Jhanak… you’re safe,” before drifting back to sleep. The final shot is of Arshi’s face turning pale with humiliation as the nurse asks Jhanak to step inside, noting that the patient is responding only to her.
Major Highlights
- The Hero’s Injury: Aniruddh’s sacrifice is confirmed to be serious, possibly affecting his ability to work for months.
- The Rating Surge: Jhanak’s unmasking becomes a viral sensation, making her the most-searched person in the country overnight.
- Arshi’s Public Humiliation: Aniruddh’s preference for Jhanak in his semi-conscious state happens in front of Arshi and Srishti.
- Tejas in the Shadows: A brief shot shows Tejas watching the hospital from a car, frustrated that Aniruddh survived, and planning his next move.
Precap for Tomorrow:
Arshi tries to throw Jhanak out of the hospital, but the Police Inspector arrives to record Aniruddh’s statement about the “accident.” Aniruddh tells the police he suspects the light was tampered with intentionally to target Jhanak. Meanwhile, the show organizers offer Jhanak a direct entry to the Grand Finale, but she is torn between her career and staying by Aniruddh’s side.
