Anupamaa: Anu's confidence drops, but fate takes her to the site of her dream home

Tonight's Anupamaa episode opens with Hasmuk expressing how proud he is of Anupama for dreaming of owning a house. He asks her not to pay attention to Paritosh and Pakhi's comments, reminding her that they already have a roof over their heads and will eventually inherit the Shah house. According to Hasmuk, they can never understand the value of such a dream because they have never worked towards one themselves.

He also corrects Leela, saying that since Anupama is living independently, it is even more important for her to have a home of her own. Blessing her wholeheartedly, Hasmuk says he is sure she will achieve her dream. Anupama promises that she will earn a house for herself and Digvijay. Digvijay assures her that he will stand beside her throughout the journey.

Meanwhile, Vasundhara apologises to Rahi for Prem's behaviour. Khyati remarks that anger often makes people lose control. Vasundhara advises Prem not to become like Parag, saying Parag let his pain consume him and walked away from his family. She doesn't want Rahi to suffer the way Khyati did and hopes Prem and Rahi stay together forever. She admits that the fear of losing loved ones scares her the most. Prem and Rahi reassure Vasundhara that they will never leave each other's side. Prem asks Rahi if she will always hold his hand, and she happily agrees. He then says he wants to win the cooking competition and asks for her support. Rahi tells him that victory should come honestly. Prem promises everyone that he will compete fairly and seeks blessings from the family. Vasundhara and Khyati bless him.

Elsewhere, Prerna is thinking about her disagreement with Leela when Ansh asks whether she is heading to the café. Prerna says she is meeting a friend who has recently returned from the US and even invites Ansh to join her. However, Ansh encourages her to enjoy the outing and reminds her to inform Leela before leaving, as she is the eldest in the family.

Prerna gets upset and says she doesn't like living under strict rules. She clarifies that informing Leela isn't the problem, but she doesn't want anyone to think she needs permission to step out. Still upset about the argument over the new dinner set, Prerna decides not to tell Leela before leaving. Ansh simply asks her to enjoy her day.

At the competition venue, the judges ask Anupama and Prem whether they are related. They mention that this is the first time a mother-in-law and son-in-law are competing against each other on different teams. Prem asks if that creates any issue, but the judges clarify that it doesn't. They then begin explaining the next round.

Prem refuses to visit Anupama's café and also says he won't invite her to his café. Digvijay suggests holding the discussion outside both cafés, and everyone agrees. The judges then announce that the prize money has now increased to 50 lakh. Hearing this, Digvijay tells Anupama that it feels like destiny is supporting her dream. The judges reveal that the next challenge will be the family round and ask both teams to choose their members. Paritosh and Pakhi overhear the announcement about the prize money.

Tempted by the huge reward, Pakhi points out that Anupama usually doesn't let them work at her café. She and Paritosh decide to join her team so they can compete for the prize money.

The siblings request Anupama to include them in her team. Instead of agreeing immediately, Anupama asks them to complete a small test first. They reluctantly agree to prove themselves.

On the other side, Prem asks Vasundhara to be part of his team, while Shruti reacts with visible disappointment. Vasundhara declines, saying she has never cooked outside her own kitchen and recommends Khyati instead. Prem and Rahi convince Khyati to consider joining them. Anil also encourages her to support Prem, while Raja insists that she should do whatever it takes to help him win. Shruti believes Khyati's experience will be valuable for the team.

Khyati looks worried. Rahi asks whether she is afraid that choosing Prem's side might affect her relationship with Anupama. Khyati requests some time to think. Prem says his team already includes Rahi, Shruti and Meeta, but he still needs one more member. Meeta suggests Pari's name. Pari appears uncomfortable, but Meeta pressures her to join Prem's team. Watching everything, Vasundhara remarks that it is unfortunate Prem is struggling to build a team despite belonging to such a large family.

Shruti questions Khyati, asking whether she really wants Prem to win. Vasundhara also tells Khyati to focus only on Prem's success.

Back at Anupama's café, Anupama tests Paritosh and Pakhi's cooking knowledge. She asks Paritosh to identify nutmeg and mace from the spice collection, while Pakhi is told to knead the dough. Before they begin, Anupama takes away both their mobile phones. Without their phones to depend on, the siblings struggle to complete even these basic tasks.

In the precap, Anupama tells Digvijay that only 24 hours remain before the competition and she is feeling nervous. Digvijay reminds her that if she loses confidence now, they won't be able to move forward. Later, Anupama dreams of finally owning a house of her own.