Jagriti 16th September 2024 Written Episode Update
The episode begins with a voiceover narrating a forgotten history. Before India’s independence, there was a community known as the Chitta, whose guerrilla warfare tactics left the British shaking in fear. This proud community fought alongside the Marathas, and the British, unable to control them, labeled the Chitta as “born criminals.” So feared were they that a newborn’s name would be recorded in police files before it was ever written on a birth certificate. After independence, the Indian government abolished British laws, but the stigma attached to the Chitta community persisted.
The narrator explains that hunting was once both a religion and profession for the Chitta people, but it was outlawed, stripping them of their livelihood and identity. Today, they live with the black mark of being “born criminals” and have reluctantly accepted this label.
The scene shifts to Chitta village. Bindi complains to Harish about the small birds he brought home, wishing for something more substantial like partridge. Harish, however, defends his catch, saying Datta will sell the birds for a good price. Datta is shown examining a tiger’s skin, appreciating Ballu’s work. When Harish arrives with the birds, Ballu mocks him for catching such small prey. Harish, feeling insulted, reminds them that he’s hunted larger animals in the past. Ballu teases him about Gita, saying she ran off with another man. Harish is visibly upset, and Datta steps in, reminding them they’re family and should stop fighting.
Harish walks away, lost in thought, remembering Gita. In a flashback, Gita and Harish are seen together, taking pictures. She tells him she’s pregnant and needs to talk to her parents. Harish, however, is pessimistic, certain her parents will never accept a Chitta man like him.
Back in the present, Gita is determined to return to Mokshgarh. Despite the driver’s warning about the dangers of the Chitta community, she insists on walking the remaining 3 kilometers. She talks to her unborn child, vowing to reunite the baby with its father. Meanwhile, Gita’s father is furious, smashing a photo frame in anger. He chastises his wife for letting Gita escape, blaming love for Gita’s selfishness. His wife, worried for their daughter, suggests calling Kalikant, who has strong ties to the Chitta community.
Kalikant is introduced, speaking about his connection to the Chitta people, whom he refers to as his wealth. When he receives a call from Gita’s father, Avdesh Solanki, Kalikant is furious to learn that Gita is pregnant with a Chitta’s child. Promising to take care of the situation, he grabs his gun and leaves.
Meanwhile, Harish’s mother and Bindi are trying to console him, telling him to forget Gita. Suddenly, they see Gita approaching the village. Harish runs to her and catches her as she stumbles. He’s overcome with emotion as he realizes she’s carrying his child. Gita explains that her father had locked her away when she revealed her pregnancy, but due to complications, they couldn’t abort the baby. Harish, resolute, tells her they should leave the Chitta community to protect their child from its stigma. Gita, however, believes they must stay and fight to change the community’s mindset for the sake of their child’s future. Harish agrees and promises to marry her. As he places an anklet on her foot, a gunshot rings out.
Kalikant arrives with his men and demands that Datta hand over Harish. His men begin tearing through the village, destroying property and beating the villagers. Harish is found, and as they take him away, the anklet he was holding for Gita falls from his hand. Gita pleads with Kalikant to leave Harish alone, but Kalikant, seeing her pregnant belly, declares that Harish has committed a grave sin. He accuses the Chitta of kidnapping a girl from a wealthy family, but Datta insists Gita claimed to be an orphan.
Gita, remorseful, admits her lie and watches in horror as Kalikant’s men begin to beat Harish. Datta begs Kalikant to punish only Harish and spare the others, but Harish manages to escape with Gita on a motorcycle. Kalikant, enraged, swears to wipe out the entire Chitta community if they’re not found.
After their escape, Gita and Harish find temporary refuge in a jungle hut. As they rest, Gita goes into labor. Despite the dire situation, Harish helps her deliver their child, a baby girl whom they name Jagriti.
Back in the city, Avdesh Solanki is furious that Gita has escaped once again. Kalikant, trying to calm him, says Gita’s only alive because she’s Solanki’s daughter; otherwise, she’d be dead by now.
Harish holds their newborn daughter with pride and promises Gita that their child will one day change the fate of the Chitta community.
