Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki: Anirudh prepares to confront Aishwarya head-on, no more attacks from behind

Tonight's Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki episode begins with Vikrant questioning Mannat about whether she filed a case against Mallika. Mannat informs him that all charges have been withdrawn. Vikrant is puzzled and asks how that happened. She recalls Anirudh persuading her not to lodge a complaint against Mallika, warning her that doing so would expose his identity. He also points out that authorities might question how she obtained the video. He helped her out of a difficult situation, and in return, he expected her to let this go.

Mannat, curious, asks Anirudh who he really is and why he's supporting her. Anirudh cryptically responds that she's in a dangerous place, and she must choose whether to be hunted or become the hunter. Mannat is left confused, how can she explain all this to Vikrant when she doesn't even know who Anirudh truly is?

Just then, they hear chaos as people shout Mallika's name. Everyone is stunned to find Aishwarya crying inconsolably. She claims that Mallika attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills—all because of Vikrant. The scene turns dramatic as she breaks down. Roni urges Vikrant to call a doctor immediately. Mannat tells them to take Mallika to her room. Aishwarya blames Mannat for Mallika's condition and warns her to stay away. As Aishwarya weeps for her daughter, Mallika subtly signals to her. Aishwarya realises that Mallika is faking her condition. She secretly contacts a doctor to play along with their act.

Vikrant carries Mallika to her room. Meanwhile, Aishwarya pleads with Neetu, trying to justify Mallika's actions by saying she did it for Vikrant. Neetu, however, refuses to buy it. She reminds Aishwarya that Mallika endangered children's lives and only took this step to cover up her own wrongdoing. She firmly states that Vikrant isn't at fault and that she can never forgive Mallika.

Meanwhile, Anirudh talks to Varun, calling out Aishwarya’s manipulative and self-centered behavior. He instructs Varun to get in touch with her immediately. Once alone, Anirudh thinks to himself that the days of hiding are over, now it’s time to face her openly and directly. Her present is about to collide with her past, and in that clash, her future will be destroyed.

Back at the house, the doctor arrives to check Mallika. She asks everyone to step out, except Aishwarya. Mannat grows suspicious, wondering why only Aishwarya was allowed to stay. She starts doubting their intentions.

Aishwarya commends Mallika for her acting. It's revealed that she bribed the doctor to go along with their plan. The doctor pretends to ask Aishwarya about Mallika's situation, citing the need to register a police case since it's a suicide attempt. She also mentions Saluja, hinting he might be involved. Aishwarya plays along and acts as though she's defending Saluja to divert attention.

Meanwhile, Varun contacts Aishwarya and asks her to meet his boss. She declines, saying her daughter just overdosed and she can't leave right now, but promises to meet later. Anirudh is left puzzled by this sudden shift.

Aishwarya later tells Vikrant that Mallika regrets her past actions and risked her life for him. Vikrant is left shaken, thinking that maybe he is the reason behind Mallika's actions. Mannat offers him a paper boat and reminds him that he once gave her the same when she was lost. It had helped her find strength. She encourages him to gather himself again. Vikrant finds himself emotionally stirred and realises his heart still beats for Mannat.

Aishwarya then approaches Neetu and demands that she help reconcile Vikrant and Mallika. Neetu refuses and says Mallika destroyed her son's life. Aishwarya threatens to expose a deep secret, that Vikrant is not Neetu's biological son, if she doesn't comply. She warns her that if anything happens to Mallika, she'll ruin Vikrant's life.

Neetu, stunned by the threat, confronts Vikrant. She expresses her anger toward Mallika but says that doesn't mean Vikrant should be close to Mannat. She harshly accuses Mannat of trying to come between Vikrant and Mallika. Aishwarya adds emotional pressure by claiming that Mallika was willing to sacrifice everything for Vikrant and did everything out of love. Vikrant, caught between emotional manipulations, is left conflicted, while Mannat continues to doubt Aishwarya's motives.

Mannat tries to inspect the medicine bottle Mallika consumed. Just then, Gagan enters and apologises to her. He pleads with Mannat to go easy on Mallika for now. He reveals that Aishwarya had manipulated him earlier, too, and is now doing the same to Vikrant. Her greed has driven Mallika to become obsessive over Vikrant. Gagan expresses concern for Mallika, and Mannat reassures him.

On the other hand, Anirudh is determined to get to the bottom of Aishwarya's plan. He knows she would never risk herself unless there's something to gain. He decides to contact Mannat to get more details.

Later, Aishwarya asks Vikrant to speak to Mallika. Mallika, putting on an act, apologises to Vikrant and acts as though she is remorseful. Aishwarya watches proudly, thinking to herself that Mallika has proven she's truly her daughter, a master at deception.