Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Kaveri takes Pookie back from Armaan, declares the baby will stay with Abhira

In tonight's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai episode, Kaveri confronts Armaan for belittling Abhira by accusing her of being a bad mother. She sternly tells him that while he may be trying to become a good father, Abhira is already fulfilling the role of a devoted mother, often doing more for Pookie than he is. She points out that it was Abhira who took care of Ruhi throughout her pregnancy, more than anyone else. Kaveri questions Armaan's certainty about what's best for the baby, reminding him that he didn't give birth to Pookie either. She emphasises that Abhira is patiently enduring his erratic behaviour and emotional outbursts. When Vidya tries to defend her son, Kaveri cuts her off, asking her to stop defending his mistakes.

Kaveri tells Armaan that Abhira genuinely cares for Pookie. In response, Armaan questions whether his own love for Pookie is being considered fake. Kaveri replies that if his love were truly genuine, he wouldn't insult the child's mother. She tells him that if his love was true, then he would not insult the baby's mother. Kaveri urges Armaan to value the life he has now, a supportive wife and a child, before he ends up losing them. She then hands Pookie to Abhira, firmly declaring that the baby will stay with her.

Meanwhile, Abhira, despite running a fever, continues to put on a brave face in front of Armaan. She is determined to prove her worth as a mother and silently hopes to earn his appreciation. Eventually, Armaan realises his harshness and apologises to her. He admits that his overprotectiveness stems from love for both Pookie and Abhira and confesses his feelings to her. However, Abhira, emotionally distant and disheartened, chooses not to respond to his declaration.

Later, both Kaveri and Vidya notice that Abhira is unwell. They are taken aback by Armaan's failure to recognise her condition. In a moment of deep hurt, Abhira shares that she feels invisible in Armaan's eyes as he only looks at her as a failed mother, not his wife. Seeing her pain, Kaveri advises her to consider stepping away from the relationship, sometimes distance can help bring clarity and happiness. Vidya is shocked by Kaveri's suggestion, but Kaveri firmly tells her that continuing to support Armaan blindly will only make things worse.

Elsewhere, the Goenka family prepares for a celebration, but their joy is disrupted when Charu arrives unexpectedly with snacks for the family. It is revealed that Abhir had invited her. While Manish, Swarna, and Surekha disapprove of Abhir and Charu's relationship, Ruhi steps in to defend them. She passionately argues that while they may believe Abhir and Charu hurt Kiara, they must also acknowledge that Sanjay wronged the couple as well. Ruhi urges the family to recognise the genuine bond between Abhir and Charu.

Back in the Poddar house, Abhira tries to speak with Armaan, requesting him to stop picking fights over Pookie. Armaan begins to see her point of view, but becomes cautious upon learning that she has a fever. Instead of comforting her, he decides to distance the baby from her due to her illness and sends her medication instead. This deeply wounds Abhira, who feels that Armaan has forgotten how much Pookie's presence soothes her. Overwhelmed with emotion, she breaks down.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, as everyone prepares to board the bus, Armaan is unaware that Abhira is missing. Ruhi advises Abhira to speak up and remind Armaan that she, too, matters before it's too late.