Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Abhira's love confession makes Armaan question why it affects him so deeply

Tonight's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai episode opens with Dadi instructing Abhira (Samridhii Shukla) to fetch fresh mehendi for Armaan (Rohit Purohit) and Ruhi (Garvita Sadhwani), symbolising their union for seven lifetimes. Abhira obliges and retrieves the mehendi. Vidya prompts Ruhi to begin the ritual, and Ruhi complies, sitting down for the mehendi application. Curious, Ruhi asks Armaan what's happening, and Abhira watches intently. Vidya suggests it might be Mauli colour. Ruhi writes her name on Armaan's hand, and as "Aai Shubh Ghadi" plays in the background, everyone applauds. Dadi then requests Armaan to write his name on Ruhi's hand, which he does.

Vidya embraces Ruhi while Abhira steps outside, overwhelmed with emotion, and starts eating pastries to console herself. She laments the sadness of one-sided love, reflecting on Armaan marrying Ruhi. Meanwhile, Armaan, also eating pastries, finds himself troubled by thoughts of Abhira, questioning why he can't get her out of his mind. They are both lost in thoughts of each other. Abhira chastises herself, tears flowing. They catch glimpses of each other from a distance.

Armaan dances with Abhira:

The next morning, Abhira firmly rejects Armaan's request for a dance practice, citing lateness. Armaan insists they proceed, as they must complete the practice, mentioning her role as their wedding planner. A colleague encourages Abhira to assist Armaan with dance practice. As "Baaton Hi Baaton Mein" plays, they dance, but Abhira gets injured. Armaan inquires if she has taken her medicine, prompting her to angrily tell him to stop worrying about her. She runs away, and Armaan follows, demanding to know what's wrong. She challenges him, asking why he cares, pointing out that there is no relationship between them.

Abhira confesses her love for Armaan:

Armaan questions their friendship, causing Abhira to shout in frustration. Garlands fall over her, and as Armaan attempts to help, she rejects him, declaring she doesn't need his assistance. She vents about how he complicates her life and helps her, only to leave her feeling foolish. She confesses her love, accusing him of never reciprocating her feelings. Armaan is stunned, reminding her of past declarations of hate towards him and his family. He touches her face, but she recounts her mother's advice about believing in the impossible, now realising the futility. Apologising, she turns away, admitting she shouldn't have confessed her feelings, assuring him not to worry about her broken heart.

The song "Jhoke" plays as she notices a garland in his hand, pulls it, and then runs outside, crying into a cushion. Armaan realises that Abhira loves him and wonders why she never confided in him. Reflecting on their interactions, he ponders how she could have fallen for him despite their frequent arguments and his often distant behaviour. Abhira, accepting her situation, resolves to move on from her unfulfilled first love and plans to leave his life for good. Overwhelmed by the revelation, Armaan collapses, struggling to understand why her unspoken feelings affect him so much. Just then, Ruhi arrives and asks if he is okay. Armaan considers whether he should tell her the truth.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, Abhira vows to always cherish the symbol of her love. Ruhi learns of Abhira's feelings for Armaan. Abhira makes a dramatic declaration of love for Armaan, while Surekha advises Ruhi to dismiss Abhira from her job.