Anupamaa: Leela requests Anupama to stay back at Shah house, saying everyone wants her presence

In tonight's Anupamaa episode, Leela gently asks Anupama if she feels something is missing. Anupama responds that Leela seems to be echoing her inner feelings. Leela then questions why Anupama cannot stay back with her family instead of planning to return to Mumbai and live among strangers. She tells Anupama that everyone in the house, including herself, wants her presence. This leaves Anupama stunned.

As the family gathers for prayer, Anupama emphasises the blessing of having four generations praying together. She showers her blessings on Kinjal and Prarthana, encouraging harmony in the family. Leela instructs Prarthana to prepare for the kitchen ritual, but asks her not to observe the fast. Anupama, showing care, advises Prarthana to rest and not exhaust herself. Leela suggests that Anupama visit the temple since it is both Anuj's birthday and Janmashtami. During this moment, Anupama openly expresses her love for Anuj.

Tensions in the Kothari Household

Meanwhile, the Kothari family also gathers for prayers. Vasundhara announces that they will celebrate Janmashtami with devotion. Parag mentions that Prarthana's presence drew him to the Shah household. Vasundhara, however, accuses Parag of neglecting other bonds while focusing only on one. Anil steps in, requesting Vasundhara and Parag not to quarrel on such an auspicious occasion.

Rahi Challenges Anupama

Back at the Shahs, Anupama resolves to celebrate Anuj's birthday. During this, she comes across Rahi, who confronts her. Rahi questions her intentions, mocking that Anupama wants to prove her love for Anuj. She accuses Anupama of being self-centred. In response, Anupama explains that Anuj wanted them to celebrate his special day together, which is why they have come at the same time. This irritates Rahi further, and she vents that ever since Anupama left, she and Anuj have celebrated his birthday without her.

Rahi then strikes a painful blow, taunting Anupama by saying she could never become a mother, and that is why she competes with her in dance. Anupama fires back, pointing out that the same could be said about Rahi, too. Rahi, full of pride, declares she will defeat Anupama in the competition and break her pride. Prem tries to calm her down, but Rahi insists that she will begin the celebration first and tells Prem to make Anupama wait. Choosing peace, Anupama agrees to wait and later shares her thoughts with Anuj, admitting that although Rahi is rude, she finds her childlike nature endearing, and she has slowly grown used to it.

Janmashtami Celebrations Begin

The Shah household then experiences a cheerful moment as Jignesh appears dressed as Lord Krishna, surprising everyone. Anupama looks around for the dancers. Sarita expresses excitement, saying it's her first time witnessing a Gujarati-style Janmashtami. Leela explains that in Gujarat, the celebrations begin with prayers to Baal Gopal, followed by vibrant Garba performances. Soon, Rahi and Prem step in as Radha and Krishna, captivating everyone with their graceful dance.

Both the Shahs and the Kotharis immerse themselves in the Janmashtami festivities, but amidst the joy, Anupama and Rahi continue to miss Anuj deeply.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, Anupama reminisces about Anuj, imagines his presence around her, and is left astonished by the feeling.