Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Here's what stopped Armaan and Abhira's face-off

Tonight's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai episode opens with Abhira asking Maira what she'd like to eat. Instead of responding directly, Maira requests Abhira to switch on the television. Abhira calmly tells her that they don't have a TV at home. Maira then settles for watching cartoons on a laptop, but Vidya and Kaveri step in and stop her from doing so.

This leads Maira to become stubborn, insisting on watching TV. Kaveri later discusses her concerns with Vidya and Abhira, questioning whether Maira could be deceiving them. Abhira firmly tells her not to suspect a child of wrongdoing. Kaveri fears that Maira might call her parents and create trouble, but Abhira reassures her that they can face whatever happens together. Vidya also voices her confidence, saying she's capable of handling the situation.

When Maira asks Abhira to feed her noodles, something her father never allows, Abhira is reminded of Armaan. She then lovingly feeds Maira the noodles. After enjoying her meal, Maira again insists on watching TV. To divert her attention, Abhira decides to engage her in a game.

Meanwhile, Armaan and Geetanjali are still searching for Maira. Maira, unaware of their efforts, decides to remain hidden from Armaan until the finale. During their journey, Geetanjali asks Armaan whether he's from Rajasthan. Armaan, trying to conceal the truth, says he has picked up many languages due to his profession.

Back at home, Abhira not only plays a game with Maira but also narrates her own story, one that involves Armaan and Pookie. Curious, Maira asks her what she would do if the "king" ever came back.

Elsewhere, Armaan arrives at an address he believed would lead him to Maira but finds it to be the wrong one. Geetanjali asks if he knows any police officer who could help. Armaan recalls Madhav and imagines Maira telling him to seek help from family. Geetanjali presses him again, and Armaan finally decides to reach out to Madhav, only to find out that Madhav was transferred to Punjab six years ago.

Geetanjali shares with Armaan that Maira is currently with a woman who exudes motherly affection. She feels Maira is safe for now. Armaan, however, strongly believes his daughter is safest only when she is with him.

Abhira is seen sleeping peacefully. Kaveri comments to Vidya about how soundly she's resting. At the same time, Maira is shown praying. But the peace is short-lived as Kaveri reveals Maira's truth. Shocked, Abhira eventually confronts Maira and scolds her for running away and causing pain to her loved ones.

Maira explains that she escaped because Armaan was trying to take her back. Abhira urges her to consider Armaan's perspective. Maira then counters by asking if Abhira would have abandoned Pookie in a similar situation. She pleads with Abhira to support her until the finale. Touched by her words, Abhira agrees.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, Armaan is seen praying fervently for his daughter's return. In a dramatic moment, he spots Abhira and Maira together. The truth dawns on him, Maira was not with a stranger but with her own mother all this time.