Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Abhimanyu confesses his love for Akshara, she walks off

The episode opens with Abhir, praying and having a conversation with Abhinav. Manish enters and mentions that Ganpati and Abhi's father will work some magic; they have no choice but to help them. Manish believes that Docman and Mumma are Abhi's father's favorites, and he will do something to bring them closer. Meanwhile, a client congratulates Abhi and Akshu, stating that if they work together, Birla Hospital will prosper. Abhi and Akshu express their gratitude. However, the client receives a call and leaves for a patient's visit.

Akshu decides to manage on her own and asks Dadi to send a driver. While waiting for the driver, Abhi questions her truthfulness, suspecting that she's lying. The car eventually breaks down, and they stop at a dhaba to order food. Akshu expresses her hunger and asks Abhi to order quickly. Tensions rise as they wait, and Abhi tries to call Manish to inform him about their situation.

Back at home, Manish and others worry about Akshu's whereabouts. Kairav suggests calling Abhi to check on them. At the dhaba, Abhi and Akshu eat their meal. Abhi notices a heart-shaped decoration and smiles. Akshu seizes the moment to talk to him about his marriage and encourages him to find love. However, they end up arguing about relationships.

As they continue to argue, Abhi begins to express his feelings but gets interrupted by a song playing in the background. Meanwhile, Kairav and Muskaan have a heated argument about Akshu and Abhi, drawing the attention of others. The man at the dhaba warns them about an approaching storm but informs them that their car cannot be fixed and that they will have to spend the night there.

Back at home, Muskaan criticizes the family for wanting Abhi to replace Abhinav in Akshu's life. Kairav defends Akshu's decision and expresses his frustration with Muskaan's behavior. He decides to distance himself from her and leaves the house. Muskaan's actions leave the family disappointed, and they reprimand her for her double standards.

Meanwhile, Akshu and Abhi are shown the storeroom where they will spend the night. The man warns them about the frequent power outages and leaves them to rest. Akshu suggests they go to sleep, and Abhi improvises a makeshift curtain for privacy. They both lie on the ground, but Akshu feels cold. 

Precap: Abhi, in a moment of vulnerability, tells Akshu that he loves her, but she walks away.