Suman Indori, September 23, 2024: Devika’s Malicious Scheme Unravels

This episode opens with Suman engrossed in prayer, fervently asking for divine intervention to ensure her dishes are as delightful as Prasad. Seeking a moment of the chef’s attention, she approaches a member of Royal Caterers with a respectful request. Meanwhile, Gitanjali expresses her unease about involving Suman in their plans, uncertain of the potential outcomes.

In an effort to maintain the kitchen’s sanctity, Suman asks the chef to remove his shoes before entering. The chef retorts that this isn’t his home kitchen, but Suman firmly counters that the kitchen holds sacred significance, akin to the abode of Maa Annapurna. To reinforce her belief, she removes her own slippers, highlighting her commitment to cleanliness.

Just then, Devika strides in and ridicules Suman for her old, patched slippers, suggesting they should be discarded. Rishi observes how selflessly Suman tends to everyone around her, often at the expense of her own needs. Devika dismisses Suman’s input, reminding her that they are professional caterers and encouraging her to focus on her own responsibilities.

Despite the derogatory remarks, Suman remains composed, telling Malini that they should stay focused on their tasks. After a silent prayer, she begins her food preparation, only to find herself crowded by the chefs, making her work difficult. Malini’s frustration mounts, believing Devika is deliberately sabotaging their chances of securing the catering contract.

As tensions rise, Devika assembles her team—Akhil, Poorvi, and Kritika—and cautions them against underestimating Suman, whose chaat has garnered fame in Sarafa. Akhil reminisces about the deliciousness of her chole tikki, but Kritika is skeptical, wondering if Suman’s cooking will hold up today. Devika is determined to see Suman fail, even going so far as to disparage her culinary creations, labeling them “garbage.”

In a show of dominance, Poorvi barges into the kitchen alongside Akhil, instructing Suman not to interfere with her coffee maker. When Suman and Malini request more space to work, they are met with indifference. Devika continues to belittle Suman, suggesting that she’s accustomed to working in cramped conditions and doesn’t require much room.

While Malini visibly bristles at the insults, Suman confidently asserts that if she can cater to the entire Sarafa community, handling this small family gathering will be a breeze. When Kritika questions her lack of gloves, Suman explains that in Sarafa, wearing gloves isn’t common practice; instead, they simply tie a dupatta around their heads. Without missing a beat, she ties her dupatta and resumes her culinary tasks.

The arrival of Gajendra heightens Suman’s anxiety, as she fears he might dismiss her food without even tasting it. Devika seizes this opportunity to play her cards, chastising Kritika in front of Gajendra under the guise of imparting family values. Yet, Teerth recognizes Devika’s true intentions. Gajendra questions why Suman was invited after supposedly insulting his daughter, but Devika quickly deflects the blame onto Teerth, showcasing her manipulative tactics.

Rishi offers words of encouragement to Suman, insisting that Neta Ji will back her in securing the contract. However, Suman remains doubtful of the outcome. Devika boldly asserts that Gajendra, the namkeen king, will not find merit in Suman’s culinary efforts. In a crafty move, Devika sneaks into the kitchen and secretly places a coin inside one of the parathas, aiming to sabotage Suman’s dish.

When Suman catches her in the act, she confronts Devika, who feigns innocence, claiming she was merely searching for sugar. Suman firmly instructs her to leave, but Devika delivers one final taunt before exiting, leaving Malini increasingly anxious about the integrity of the food.

As the drama unfolds, Kritika pressures Devika to devise another scheme, and Devika ominously hints that something significant is forthcoming. Suddenly, the oven begins to spark, but Suman remains undeterred, focusing intently on her work and praying, ignoring the acrid smell. Teerth arrives, prompting Suman to joke that she had been calling for God, not for trouble.

Teerth responds playfully, suggesting that if she gazes at him with affection, she might just see an angel. Just then, as Suman continues to work, she slips but is quickly caught by Teerth, adding a mix of tension and charm to the ongoing storyline.