Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Armaan hurt as Maira chooses Geetanjali over him to open up

In tonight's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai episode, Abhira stumbles upon an exciting startup competition and is thrilled at the opportunity. Armaan Gupta informs her that the deadline for submission is today itself, prompting her to act quickly.

At home, Vidya notices Kaveri wiping away tears, but before she can ask further, Kaveri changes the subject and avoids discussing her emotions. Later, Abhira reaches home and shares the news about the startup contest with Kaveri and Vidya. However, she hits a roadblock, she needs their passport-size photos to complete the application. Determined not to give up, she devises a creative workaround.

Abhira carefully cuts out Kaveri and Vidya's images from an old family photograph. While doing so, her eyes fall on Armaan's picture, stirring up emotions, but she composes herself and successfully submits the form. She then reminds Kaveri and Vidya to stay focused, emphasising that they also need to be ready with a presentation.

On the other hand, Armaan attempts to feed Maira, who refuses to eat dinner. Despite Dadu and Geetanjali's efforts to pacify her with the Pizza Night plan, Maira insists on skipping her meal and goes to bed. Armaan grows increasingly anxious about her behaviour.

Geetanjali reflects on how Maira has never acted out like this before, especially considering she has been under her care since the age of three. Armaan begins to suspect that something is troubling her deeply.

Meanwhile, Kaveri and Vidya struggle to prepare for the presentation. Abhira motivates them, reminding them that such opportunities are rare. She decides to help them rehearse their parts while they eat. Kaveri and Vidya warm up to the idea, and Abhira serves them some homemade pickle, lifting their spirits.

The next morning, Maira refuses to go to school, leaving Armaan worried. He tries to gently talk to her and find out what's troubling her, but she remains silent. Sensing that something is off, Geetanjali decides to take the day off to stay with Maira. Armaan initially hesitates, but she reassures him that she has two leaves available and can manage. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude, admitting that he once didn't let anyone enter the small world he shared with Maira. But now, thanks to Maira, Geetanjali has become a part of that world. Before leaving for work, he tells Maira to talk to him whenever she feels ready and kisses her goodbye.

Later, Geetanjali comforts Maira while tying her hair. With warmth and patience, she tactfully manages to get Maira to open up.

Elsewhere, Abhira continues helping Vidya and Kaveri prepare for the presentation. She checks if Vidya remembers her lines and reassures both women with her confidence. Just as they are about to go on stage, Abhira gets a phone call that leaves her stunned. Inspector tells her that there is news regarding Pookie's whereabouts.

Seeing her in shock, Vidya and Kaveri urge Abhira to go and follow up on the lead. They decide to go ahead with the presentation in her absence, showing their support and unity.

In the following scene, Maira appears cheerful again and happily finishes her food as Geetanjali feeds her. Geetanjali then asks her to bring her books so they can study together since she missed school.

While Maira goes to get her books, Geetanjali notices that Armaan has called her seven times. She quickly returns his call and assures him that Maira is doing much better and just had pancakes. Armaan thanks her and also apologises for putting pressure on her, but Geetanjali gently responds that it's only natural for him to be concerned.

This conversation reminds Armaan of an earlier time when Kaveri had accused him of being overly possessive. He then tells Geetanjali how people often understand a mother's concern but fail to understand the love and worries of a father. He's still anxious to know why Maira was upset, and Geetanjali finally tells him that Maira has shared everything with her and that it's nothing serious.

Armaan is taken aback, feeling hurt that his daughter chose to confide in someone else. He wonders why Maira couldn't talk to him and questions if there's something about her feelings that he's failing to understand. Geetanjali tries to explain that perhaps when Maira wanted to talk, he wasn't available. If he had been around, Maira would've probably spoken to him first.

Although he ends the call, Armaan is left deeply disturbed. He begins to feel like he's falling short as a father and worries that he's unable to earn his daughter's trust.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, Abhira receives Pookie's chain and uncovers a lead about someone connected to her. Later, Kaveri and Vidya question her about what she found out.