Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Abhira senses Pookie in Maira’s hug, not in the girl claiming to be her

In tonight's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai episode, Abhira is seen deeply worried about Armaan's condition. Meanwhile, Maira is shown praying for Armaan's recovery. Soon after, Abhira finds Maira in the temple area, where Maira gently asks Abhira to pray for Armaan, saying that in return, she'll pray for Pookie's well-being. Abhira hesitates and tells her that her prayers often go unheard, but Maira insists. Moved by her words, Abhira ends up praying for Maira's wish to be fulfilled.

Shortly thereafter, a nurse informs Abhira that Armaan is expected to regain consciousness soon. Delighted, Abhira shares the positive update with Kaveri and Vidya. The three of them decide to go and check on Armaan together.

However, just as they're about to leave, Anshuman arrives and stops them. He announces that he has located Pookie. Abhira, initially sceptical, questions his claim. But Anshuman reassures her that he's telling the truth. Overcome with emotion, Abhira touches his feet, thanking him for bringing back hope when she had almost given up. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for helping her find her daughter.

Moments later, Pookie calls out to Abhira. On hearing her voice, Abhira calls her and embraces her tightly, overwhelmed with emotion at being reunited with her child. She expresses her joy and immediately decides to take Pookie to meet Armaan. In the heat of the moment, Abhira mistakenly refers to Anshuman as Armaan, which leaves both Anshuman and Kaveri stunned. Realising her slip, she quickly apologises.

On their way, Abhira inquires where Anshuman found Pookie. He tells her that Pookie was living with Preeti. Preeti then steps forward and explains that she has been raising the girl under difficult circumstances. She requests that she be allowed to visit Pookie occasionally. Abhira agrees to this, touched by Preeti's sincerity. Anshuman then hands over some money to Preeti as a gesture of support.

However, Kaveri claims the girl might be an imposter. She insists that the girl and Preeti might not actually be them. Abhira strongly disagrees and says that no real mother could fail to recognise her child. The argument escalates until Preeti shows Abhira a frock that once belonged to Pookie. Seeing the dress, Abhira accepts it as genuine proof and decides to introduce Pookie to Armaan.

Elsewhere, Armaan is seen grappling with thoughts of Maira and Abhira. He dreams of them and makes up his mind to tell Abhira the truth about Maira's past. But when Abhira finally arrives to meet him, Armaan is unable to speak his heart. Geetanjali notices Armaan's anxiety and tells Abhira that if her presence is upsetting Armaan, she should keep her distance for now. Armaan, however, becomes more determined to reveal Maira's truth. Before he can act on it, the doctor gives him an injection to sedate him.

Later, Maira meets Pookie and warmly introduces herself. She praises Abhira and shares that she’s brought gifts for Pookie, calling her lucky to have such a mother. Pookie happily agrees, saying her mother is the best. Maira then turns to Abhira, looking a little nervous and shy. She holds her ears and expresses that she feels bad for the way she behaved earlier. Maira admits she made a mistake by wearing Pookie’s clothes without asking and also for calling Abhira a bad aunty. She sweetly requests Abhira to forgive her and asks if she can become her cute aunty again.

She tries to convince Abhira by saying that she has already apologised twice. Seeing her innocence, Abhira lovingly tells her there’s no need to say sorry because she has never learned how to stay upset with little kids.

Hearing this, Maira quickly tells her to never learn it either. The two then share a silent, emotional hug. During that hug, Abhira feels a deep sense of warmth and connection with Maira, as if she belongs to her.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, Anshuman senses something is troubling Abhira and asks her what's wrong. Abhira confesses that despite everything, she doesn't feel a natural connection with Pookie. Meanwhile, Maira overhears the girl taking instructions from Preeti and decides to tell Abhira the whole truth.