Anupamaa: Aadhya admits missing Anupama more

Tonight's episode of Anupamaa kicks off with Indra inquiring if Nandita feels worn out. Nandita responds cheerfully, saying they hosted so well that exhaustion is nowhere to be found, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed Anupama's (Rupali Ganguly) culinary skills. Indra agrees, praising Anu's talent in the kitchen.

Anupama, meanwhile, offers her prayers to God, wishing Him a joyous Raksha Bandhan. Babuji then questions whether Vanraj and Leela had visited. Anupama confirms, assuring him that the situation has been managed. She then inquires about Sagar, eager to tie him a rakhi. Nandita replies that he mentioned he had some work, and Anupama wonders if he got delayed.

Meenu confronts Sagar:

Meenu, troubled by Sagar's recent behaviour, asks why he told her not to speak to him and shares how his harsh words have affected her. Sagar, however, remains distant, refusing to engage. Meenu, determined, presses on, wanting to know what's driving him away. Sagar reveals that it's their differing social statuses, asserting that they are not meant to be friends. Despite this, Meenu admits her fondness for him.

Vanraj, speaking to the family, criticises Anupama, accusing her of creating a scene as usual. Toshu, echoing his father's sentiment, dismisses any expectations from her. Kinjal suggests they proceed with tying the rakhi and wonders about Meenu's whereabouts. Ansh mentions she went out, leading Vanraj to question whose permission she had. Pakhi speculates that Bhabhi might have known, but Kinjal denies any knowledge. Concerned, Vanraj instructs Toshu to call her.

Meenu confesses her feelings:

Meenu, meanwhile, is pouring her heart out to Sagar. She confesses her feelings, expressing how much she appreciates his protective nature, enjoys riding in his auto, and cherishes their time together. She acknowledges that her feelings are complicated, and although she knows her family might disapprove, she needs clarity from him. Vanraj's call interrupts, but Meenu's phone rings without being answered. Pakhi is convinced that Meenu has gone to meet the auto driver, prompting Vanraj to scold her. He then receives a notification about Meenu using her card at a coffee shop, prompting him and Toshu to head there.

At the coffee shop, Sagar tries to end the conversation, advising Meenu not to revisit the topic, as their friendship would only lead to more problems. He points out the stark differences between their lives, urging her to let go before things get complicated. Just then, Vanraj and Toshu arrive. Meenu, caught off guard, fabricates a story about waiting for a friend who never showed up and taking her coffee to go. Sagar breathes a sigh of relief, thankful for his timely escape.

Meenu ties Rakhi to Vanraj:

Back home, Pakhi and Meenu perform the rakhi ritual with Toshu. Meenu teases Toshu about his gift, to which Toshu playfully responds, presenting her with a "five-in-one" gift. Meenu then asks Titu if she can tie rakhi to him as well, reminiscing about always tying it to two brothers. Titu asks what gift she would like, and Meenu responds that he is the real gift for the family. Baa notes Babuji's absence, assuming he must be celebrating at the ashram.

Indra then ties rakhi to Babuji, who apologises for not having much to offer but gives her a token gift. She then ties rakhi to Anupama. Meenu steps up to tie her mother's rakhi to Vanraj, a gesture that touches everyone. Kinjal remarks to Baa that it's a relief no issues arose, to which Baa agrees. Indra compliments Anupama, calling her the protector of everyone, and Anupama thanks her.

Anupama ties Rakhi to Sagar:

Vanraj asks Meenu what she would like as a gift. Meenu, after some thought, says she'll ask for something when she knows what she wants. Vanraj encourages her to think about it carefully.

Later, Nandita ties a rakhi to Anuj and offers him sweets. Anuj, surprised by the gesture, admits he wasn't expecting it and hadn't prepared a gift. Nandita places his hand on her head in a blessing, praying for his well-being. Just then, Sagar arrives. Bala jokes about a near-sacrifice, while Anupama invites Sagar to sit and ties a rakhi to him, noticing something is off. She gently probes, and Sagar, trying to mask his emotions, gives her a gift. Anupama blesses him, wishing him a long life.

Aadhya prays for safety:

Anupama later decides to have a word with Sagar after his test. She finds Anuj, who is visibly missing Aadhya and laments how difficult it is to celebrate festivals without her. Anupama reassures him, saying Aadhya must be missing him just as much, even if not her. Anuj expresses frustration over their inability to locate Aadhya, wondering how many more festivals they'll have to spend apart. Anupama comforts him, expressing hope that they'll be reunited soon. Anuj holds her hand, and she rests her head on his shoulder.

In a different scene, Aadhya places a rakhi in front of Lord Krishna, pleading with him to reunite her with her parents. She confesses how much she misses them, especially since seeing her mother again, and asks for protection on this Raksha Bandhan.

Anupama later makes several calls regarding a catering order but faces rejection. Feeling disheartened, she reflects on their ongoing struggles, including the difficulty in finding Choti, as the police suggest searching in America. As her spirits wane, Anuj brings her a stress-relieving magnet, offering it as a small comfort.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, Anupama opens a roadside food stall called "Anu ki Rasoi." She receives an order, and Anuj volunteers to deliver it despite the rain. The order is received by Megha, who passes it to Aadhya. As Aadhya tastes the food, she immediately recognises the familiar flavours and exclaims, "Mummy." Meanwhile, Anuj and Anupama both feel a deep connection, as if they heard Aadhya's voice.