Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: The Birlas & Goenkas want Abhimanyu & Akshara to reunite, both of them refuse

Akshara and Abhimanyu's awkwardness: 

The episode of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai tonight begins with Abhi receiving a call from Akshu. He answers, mentioning it's Akshu's call. Abhir, curious why she isn't responding, prompts Akshu, who suggests that Docman might have dozed off. Abhi picks up the call and apologizes for what transpired earlier in the day. Akshu informs him that Abhir wants to discuss something, to which Abhir inquires about their recent argument. Abhi clarifies that there wasn't a fight. Abhir proceeds to explain that there's a class party at school, and all the parents are supposed to bring dishes. Akshu offers to prepare something, but Abhi insists on waiting for Docman to decide. Abhir criticizes Abhi and Akshara for not taking the class party seriously and advises them to resolve their issues. Akshu reassures him that everything is fine, and Abhir suggests Akshara to make pasta while Docman prepares noodles. Abhi ends the call after mentioning that his mother is calling him.

Meanwhile, Suwarna, Dadi, and Manish discuss a matter of significance. Suwarna is reluctant to talk about it, but Dadi insists that discussing it will improve their children's lives. Surekha suggests that wrong decisions won't rectify the situation. Abhi drops Ruhi off at school and asks her to give the tiffin to Abhir. Ruhi inquires why he is leaving so quickly, mentioning his plan to meet Abhir. Abhi explains he has work to attend to and departs. As Ruhi calls out for Maasi, Abhi notices Akshu and Abhir. Abhir hugs Ruhi, explaining it's a "best of luck" hug, and she questions why they're hugging for no reason. Abhir playfully suggests it's something siblings do, but Abhi counters that many people hug without a specific reason. Akshu interjects, urging Abhir to leave. The kids exit, leaving Abhi and Akshu together.

Akshara and Abhimanyu finally address their awkward hug: 

They discuss the hug from the previous day and laugh it off, acknowledging that they're acting like children. As they share a chocolate, Abhi admits that he always seems to act immature when it comes to Akshu. She finds it endearing and recalls their previous arguments. Abhi notes that they've become calmer over time. Akshu mentions that Abhir has upcoming math and English tests, and she's been helping him prepare. They part ways to their respective cars. Abhi reflects that Akshu seems happy, and he should stop overthinking. However, when he tries to start his car, it doesn't cooperate. Akshu asks if he wants to go to the hospital or home.

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Akshara and Abhimanyu's reunion plans face opposition: 

Meanwhile, Manish and the rest of the family have a discussion with Manjiri and her family. Mahima inquires about the reason for the awkwardness, and Manjiri encourages Manish to speak. Manish struggles to articulate their intentions, but Manjiri urges him to proceed. He eventually reveals that they've come to discuss Abhi and Akshu's relationship. Just then, Abhi and Akshu arrive, and everyone is taken aback. Manish clarifies that they're only discussing the matter, not making any decisions. Akshu firmly objects, Anand advises Abhi to think it over, and Manish suggests that perhaps fate is intervening. Akshu, however, refuses to entertain the idea. Manish calls out to her, but Abhi also declines, and the two exit the scene. Suwarna insists that the drama should stop after Abhi and Akshu have made their decisions. Dadi believes that as elders, they should have a say in the matter, but Suwarna disagrees.

Suwarna questions what will happen to Aarohi, who was engaged to Abhi. Anand and Surekha explain that their relationship didn't progress due to Abhi's focus on Abhir's surgery. Mahima interjects, expressing concern about Ruhi's feelings being hurt, but Parth suggests not confusing the children. Anand believes that Abhi will continue to take care of Ruhi even if he reunites with Akshu. Surekha emphasizes that they can't disregard Ruhi's emotions and questions if Abhir can replace Abhinav in Akshu's heart. Manish defends their union, arguing that Abhi, Akshu, and Abhir are already a family that complements one another. Suwarna maintains her stance, disagreeing with the idea of hurting someone's heart. Mahima then asks Manjiri for her opinion, to which she responds that she has always wanted Abhi and Akshu to reunite but won't impose her wishes on them this time. She will accept their decision.

Akshara's firm stand: 

Akshu contemplates the idea of being separated from Abhinav. Manish intervenes, reminding her of Abhir's needs and their future. However, Akshu asserts her independence and confidence, declaring that she cannot replace Abhinav and that she is not a helpless woman. Suwarna insists they respect Akshu's decision, and Dadi tries to explain things to Akshu, but she remains resolute and departs. Suwarna chastises Manish for pursuing this discussion, and he acknowledges that Abhi and Akshu have made their decisions. The family continues their discussion, grappling with the complexity of the situation.

Precap: 

Abhi and Akshu are seen separately, hugging pictures of their loved ones—Abhi with a picture of the kids and Akshu with a picture of Abhinav. In the preview, Abhi recalls Manjiri's words, and Akshu tries to console him, acknowledging that it's not his fault. Abhimanyu hugs Akshara again. 

ALSO READ: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Abhimanyu to end his engagement with Aarohi, Abhira moment ahead