The episode, titled “The Verdict of the Heart,” deals with the fallout of the jewelry theft case and a shocking revelation regarding the poison incident.
The Courtroom Victory
The episode begins in the courtroom where Inspector Sanjay Sarkar presents a breakthrough. He reveals that several officers were bribed by Shubho and Tanuja to suppress evidence that would have cleared Jhanak. With Mimi and Aniruddh testifying about the mental torture Jhanak faced, the judge officially dismisses all charges. Jhanak is declared innocent, and a strict warning is issued to the Bose family. While Jhanak is relieved, her eyes remain cold toward Aniruddh, who expects a “thank you” for his testimony.
Aniruddh’s Desperate Move
Outside the court, Aniruddh pulls Jhanak aside. He tries to justify his earlier harshness as a way to “toughen her up” for the world. Jhanak shuts him down, saying, “You didn’t sharpen me; you tried to break me.” Frustrated by her rejection, Aniruddh makes a public declaration that he will not return to the Bose house unless Jhanak comes with him as his wife, not a maid. This causes a massive scene, with Arshi arriving just in time to hear his ultimatum.
The Poison Plot Unravels
While the jewelry case is settled, Rishi receives the forensic report for the juice that was poisoned during Aditi’s function. To his horror, the toxin is a specific medication used by Aditi’s father. Rishi realizes that Aditi was likely in on the plan to frame Jhanak, or at the very least, her parents were willing to harm their own daughter to get rid of Jhanak. When Rishi confronts Aditi, she breaks down, but instead of apologizing, she blames Jhanak for “stealing her husband’s attention.”
Jhanak’s New Identity
Tired of the constant cycle of abuse, Jhanak makes a life-changing decision. She packs a small bag and tells Rishi she is leaving the city. She refuses to be a pawn in the Bose family’s property disputes or Aniruddh’s mid-life crisis. The episode ends with Jhanak standing at the railway station, looking at a poster for a National Dance Competition in Mumbai. She tears up her “Jhanak” identity card and whispers, “From today, Jhanak is dead. Nutan is born.”
Major Highlights
- Case Dismissed: Jhanak is cleared of all theft charges thanks to Mimi and Aniruddh’s testimony.
- The ultimatum: Aniruddh refuses to live with Arshi unless Jhanak is recognized as the “primary” daughter-in-law.
- Aditi’s Exposure: Rishi finds proof that the poison used to frame Jhanak came from Aditi’s own house.
- The Leap of Faith: Jhanak leaves the Bose family behind to start a new life under the name Nutan.
Precap for Tomorrow:
Five days later, Aniruddh is seen wandering the streets of Mumbai in search of Jhanak. Meanwhile, Jhanak (as Nutan) enters a prestigious dance academy where the lead judge is none other than a relative of Arshi. If her true identity is discovered, she risks being sent back to the very prison she escaped.
