Rishi notices Lakshmi looking visibly stressed and asks her what’s bothering her. Despite her insistence that everything is fine, Rishi urges her not to hide her feelings from him. Lakshmi insists she’s not lying but simply keeping things to herself for the greater good. Rishi, concerned, asks why she always sacrifices her own happiness for others and pleads with her to share what’s weighing on her heart. He expresses how much she means to him, reassuring her that no matter what happens, they always find their way back to one another. Lakshmi is reminded of her promise to Neelam—to stay away from Rishi—and walks away without saying a word.
Meanwhile, Shanaya teases Malishka about marrying “that joker” Balwinder, causing an upset. Offended, Balwinder snaps back, calling Shanaya the real joker. Kiran quickly intervenes, warning Balwinder to stay in line, but Balwinder continues to argue. Kiran grows anxious, fearing Balwinder might say something that could cause embarrassment, especially in front of Shanaya.
Later, Lakshmi bumps into Rishi and nearly falls, but he catches her just in time. He’s about to confess his feelings but is interrupted by a fit of coughing. Ayush appears with a glass of wine, which Rishi drinks. Ayush tries to convince Lakshmi to join them, but she politely refuses and walks away. Shalu tells Ayush that their plan is only half successful—Lakshmi didn’t drink—and asks what they should do next.
Rishi follows Lakshmi and asks why she’s walking away. He turns the question on her, asking why it always feels like they end up together, no matter the circumstances. Lakshmi looks at him and asks, “Why?” Rishi replies that fate has destined them to be together and pleads with her not to leave him. Lakshmi quietly admits that she never wants to leave. Ayush and Shalu, who have been watching from afar, witness the heartfelt exchange. Slightly intoxicated, Rishi tells Lakshmi that her actions today have made him happy and asks her to stay this way forever, calling himself lucky to have her in his life. Lakshmi grows suspicious when she notices the wine, and Shalu quickly hides the glass as Lakshmi glances over. Rishi then asks Lakshmi to dance, but she refuses.
Ayush and Shalu start dancing to “Aankhon Mein Teri,” pulling Rishi and Lakshmi onto the dance floor. The four of them enjoy the moment together, dancing and laughing. From a distance, Karishma observes and tells Neelam that Lakshmi is crossing boundaries. Neelam coldly replies that she will deal with Lakshmi after the party. As the dancing continues, Rishi stays close to Lakshmi but suddenly feels dizzy, and she has to support him.
Meanwhile, Shanaya threatens to call Rishi if Balwinder doesn’t leave. Balwinder dares her to try, but Kiran steps in, pulling Shanaya away to prevent further conflict. Back in Rishi’s room, Lakshmi helps him lie down. When she attempts to leave, he pulls her back onto the bed. She scolds him for drinking, especially when she’s made it clear she doesn’t like it. Rishi denies being drunk and even insists she smell his breath. Lakshmi isn’t fooled and heads to the kitchen to prepare Kadha to help him sober up.
Rishi stops her, insisting he’s fine. She continues scolding him, and he apologizes, cutely holding his ears and promising not to do anything that upsets her again. Amused, she calls him “cute,” and he replies that she’s “double cute.” He holds onto her dupatta, begging her not to leave and confessing he can’t live without her before drifting off to sleep. Lakshmi sits quietly, reflecting on the promise she made to Neelam—that after Shalu and Ayush’s wedding, she will walk away from Rishi’s life.
