Today’s episode begins with Vasundhara mocking Anupamaa suggesting that she and her family need medical treatment and even questioning their mental stability. She claims that the Shahs actions are far from normal. Anupamaa calmly but firmly responds asking Vasundhara to think rationally before passing such comments. She reminds her that it was Vasundhara who knowingly brought Gautam back into the family as a son-in-law despite being fully aware of the abuse he had inflicted on Prarthana.
Anupamaa points out that if Vasundhara herself cannot act sensibly she has no right to accuse others. She also warns Vasundhara not to casually use words related to mental health explaining that depression and emotional trauma are serious issues not insults. She cites examples from Vasundhara’s own family how Parag had locked himself in a room for months and how Khyati had forgotten how to smile after Aryan’s death. Vasundhara dismisses this as another lecture but Anupamaa insists that mental health is a sensitive topic and should never be trivialized.
Anupamaa apologizes to Prarthana and Ansh for the chaos that has overshadowed their happiness.
Anupamaa questions Vasundhara’s judgment asking how she could believe Diwakar without even listening to Rahi’s side of the story. Prem intervenes saying the matter has been exaggerated and can be explained later. He urges everyone to focus on Prarthana’s baby shower as the day is meant to celebrate her.
Khyati asks Ansh and Prarthana to sit down announcing that it is time for gifts. Gautam declares that he will give the first gift. Parag reminds him to first take elders’ blessings but Mahi insists that Gautam has the first right. Anupamaa senses something unusual feeling that Gautam looks unusually confident.
Gautam’s Gift Shocks Everyone
Gautam presents his gift and at Mahi’s insistence Prarthana opens it. Inside are legal documents. Ansh is visibly shaken. Anupamaa asks what the papers are and Gautam reveals that they are legal documents requiring Prarthana’s signature.
Vasundhara explains that the papers state Prarthana can live wherever she wants after the baby’s birth but the child will stay in their house and carry Gautam’s name. The revelation leaves everyone stunned. Mahi declares that Gautam will be the child’s father. Anupamaa accuses them of deliberately creating drama during the baby shower.
Gautam argues that the rituals are not just for Prarthana but also for him as the child’s father and that he has every right to claim his child. Anupamaa firmly warns him to stay within his limits stating that the baby belongs to Prarthana and only she has the right to decide who the father is.
Ansh asserts that Prarthana has already made her decision and given him that right.
Prarthana’s Choice
Vasundhara scolds Ansh telling him to stay in his place and claiming that Prarthana will do as she says because she wants what’s best for her. Anupamaa fires back reminding Vasundhara that wanting the best once meant forcing Prarthana to stay with an abusive man. She questions how someone who ignored Prarthana’s suffering can now claim to care about her future.
Parag adds that he wants the baby to grow up in their family expressing doubt over Ansh’s ability to take responsibility. This enrages Prarthana. She declares that she has repeatedly made it clear that Ansh is the baby’s father yet no one respects her choice. She firmly announces that the baby will neither carry Gautam’s name nor grow up in that house and that she is leaving with Ansh immediately.
Anupamaa Draws a Line
As Prarthana tries to leave Gautam grabs her hand insisting that she cannot go because the baby belongs to him. Ansh warns Gautam to let go while Mahi repeats that the baby is hers and Gautam’s. Anupamaa steps in threatening to break Gautam’s hand if he does not release Prarthana.
Vasundhara calls it a private family matter but Anupamaa declares that it concerns her family too. She accuses Vasundhara and Gautam of emotionally attacking Prarthana and says Vasundhara is driven by ego not love. Anupamaa states clearly that morally and legally Prarthana is right.
Ansh pleads with the Kotharis promising to work day and night to give Prarthana and the baby a secure future. Gautam refuses to give up his rights but Anupamaa counters that a man who failed as a husband cannot be a good father.
Vasundhara pressures Prarthana to sign the papers citing Gautam’s wealth and ability to provide. Anupamaa calls it pure drama and tells Prarthana to come to Shah House instead. Prem and Rahi support Anupamaa while Khyati tearfully says she doesn’t want to lose Prarthana but respects her happiness.
Gautam threatens to fight for custody in court. Anupamaa fiercely warns him that if he even tries to touch the baby she will not spare him. As Anupamaa prepares to leave with Ansh and Prarthana Parag stops her questioning who will take care of Prarthana in Mumbai. Anupamaa replies confidently Ansh will.
She reminds Parag that Prarthana suffered right under their roof earlier and no one protected her then. If they had truly changed Gautam would not be standing there today. She declares that no business loss is bigger than a woman’s dignity and happiness.
Precap: Vasundhara forcefully tries to stop Prarthana from leaving leading Anupamaa to push her away. An enraged Parag announces that anyone who sides with Anupamaa will have no relationship with the Kothari family. The family stands divided and Rahi is left at the center forced to choose a side.
