YRKKH: Abhir refuses to stay with Abhimanyu; Akshara breaks down after losing the custody

The episode of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai tonight begins with Abhinav consoling Akshara, urging her to release her emotions and cry. He offers to fetch some water for her and leaves. Kairav and the others attempt to reach out to Akshara, growing increasingly concerned. Meanwhile, Akshara stumbles upon a football and sees Abhimanyu calling her to come and play. Delighted, she joins him, and they engage in a game of football together. She envisions him beside her, causing her to smile. Unaware of the commotion, Abhinav searches for her. Suddenly, some pots topple over, but Akshara remains oblivious. Worried, Abhinav frantically calls out for Akshara and hurries towards her.

Manjiri mentions her intention to gather flowers for the puja. At that moment, Abhimanyu notices Akshara near the falling pots and rushes towards her, calling out her name. Overwhelmed, Akshara drops the football and locks eyes with Abhimanyu. She breaks down, calling out for Abhir, expressing that he was present just now. Manjiri witnesses the scene. Abhimanyu and Abhinav share a moment of anguish. Akshara pleads with Abhir not to play hide and seek and to reveal himself. She reminisces about the judge's words and realizes that she feels alone, just like Abhir. She laments that she cannot live without him because he is her son. In tears, she lies down and exclaims that she will die without him. Abhinav holds Akshara and consoles her, acknowledging that Abhir had tied a sacred thread and entrusted her to win the case, indicating his desire to live with them. Overwhelmed with guilt, Akshara believes they have failed as parents and lost Abhir, claiming she cannot survive without him. 

Abhimanyu steps forward, extending his hand, and advises her to gather strength for herself and Akshara. Encouraged, Abhinav grabs his hand and helps Akshara up. He extends his hand to Akshara, assuring her that they will return home where Abhir awaits them. Determined, Akshara requests him to take her to their son. He nods in agreement, and they leave together, leaving Abhimanyu in tears. Abhimanyu remarks that Abhir was the essence of Akshara and Abhinav's lives, emphasizing that just as we cannot have a morning without the sun, they cannot exist in darkness without Abhir. 

In the Goenka house, Dadi suggests that Kairav make another call to Manish. Surekha informs that Ruhi and Aarohi left after waiting. Finally, Manish and Suwarna arrive home. Dadi implores them to speak up. Kairav accuses them of feigning happiness and reveals that Akshara and Abhinav won the custody case, assuming they are putting on a show, just like how he and Aarohi used to do during exams. He insists that they confess the truth. However, Manish and Suwarna respond by signing no and shedding tears. Dadi expresses her disbelief at the turn of events. Kairav refuses to accept the truth, becoming inconsolable and throwing things in distress. 

He insists that Akshara and Abhinav are the best parents in the world, emphasizing that Abhir is their entire world. Dadi attempts to calm him down. Muskaan interjects, acknowledging Akshara and Abhinav's immense love for Abhir and highlighting their loss. Kairav expresses his disbelief, questioning the fairness of the court's decision. He wonders if being financially unstable makes it acceptable for children to be taken away and given to someone else, highlighting the injustice faced by the middle class. Surekha acknowledges the influence of Abhi's power, wealth, and status, anticipating that it played a role in the outcome. Manish takes responsibility for the situation, blaming himself for challenging Manjiri and regretting not agreeing with Abhinav. He recognises the pain of separating a child from their parents and admits that he cannot forgive himself, even if Akshara and Abhinav forgive him. Kairav embraces him and asks him to not be so hard on himself.

Meanwhile in the Goenka house, Manjiri returns home and embraces Shefali, visibly upset. Shefali inquires about the matter, and Manjiri shares the news that they have won the custody battle for Abhir, with the court ruling in their favor. Shefali and Anand, however, appear concerned. Manjiri questions their lack of happiness at the outcome. Mahima enters with Parth, surprising Manjiri. She questions Parth's presence, considering he was supposed to be in Dubai. Mahima reveals that Manjiri's grandson is on his way, while her own son is present, expecting Manjiri to share in her joy. Manjiri raises concerns about Shefali's feelings, prompting Mahima to inquire about Akshara's welfare. A heated argument ensues between them as Mahima accuses Abhi of mistreating Akshara, Abhinav, and Abhir, predicting that Abhir will be unhappy in their care. Manjiri defends Abhir's love for his "doc man" (referring to Akshara) and expresses confidence in his happiness within their family. Mahima insists that Parth and Shefali deserve a chance at a relationship, just as Abhi has been given a chance. Manjiri asserts that Parth has no right to stay in their house, leading Mahima to counter that Abhi has no right to have Abhir in his house.

Precap: Abhir questions the identity of his biological father. Akshara begins to respond, but Abhi interrupts, proclaiming himself as Abhir's real dad and announcing his intention for Abhir to come and live with them. However, Abhir adamantly refuses to go to Abhi's house. Abhinav intervenes, asserting that Abhir must comply. Ruhi expresses her doubts about Abhir's happiness in that environment.