Maya [Kajol] is a devoted mother whose life revolves around her three children—Aleya [Aanchal Munjal], Ankush [Nominath Ginsburg], and Anjali [Diya Sonecha]. Despite being divorced from Aman [Arjun Rampal], she has kept the household running smoothly, preserving a sense of a happy, functioning family. But the balance is unsettled when a new presence enters their home: Shreya Kareena Kapoor Khan, a career-driven fashion designer with much to learn about children, joins the clan after Aman introduces his girlfriend at Anjali’s birthday party. The children quickly perceive Shreya as a threat, and Maya, wary of the change, asks Aman to keep her at a distance from the kids.
The tension escalates the very next day when Aman asks Shreya to babysit the three youngsters at his house while Maya is away—she’s actually at a hospital for an examination. At a fashion show, a misfitting dress for Shreya’s model threatens disqualification, and Anjali lends a hand by using a piece of her doll’s clothing to help with the outfit. When Shreya steps away to fetch ice cream for the children, Aleya accuses her of using the kids to pull the father away; soon after, Anjali goes missing. The police locate Anjali, and Maya responds with a firm stance, threatening Aman with legal action if Shreya is allowed near the children without Maya’s permission.
As days pass, Maya discloses to Aman that she has cervical cancer, prompting him to move back into the family home without informing Shreya of the reason. Shreya, initially taking a back seat in the family dynamic, contemplates the future of her fashion career and her role in the kids’ lives. Maya’s illness becomes a turning point: Aleya sneaks out to a friend’s party, while Anjali remains a focal point of the family’s concern. After Maya reveals the cancer diagnosis to Shreya, she agrees to move in and put her career on hold for the sake of the children. The kids grow noticeably fond of Shreya, yet a heated argument reveals a painful truth about Shreya’s past—she was an orphan from infancy.
Aman’s earlier rivalry with Maya softens as he admits the need for cooperation, and Maya acknowledges that their competition for the children’s affection must end. Maya’s health takes a grave turn when she faints, and doctors deliver the devastating news that she has only days to live. Shreya steps up to care for the children, while Aman remains by Maya’s side. In a private hospital visit, Shreya admits that the children still need her. Maya, recognizing Shreya’s commitment, bequeaths guardianship of the children to her and confesses a past mistake that nearly cost Anjali her life when she was three. Maya explains that no mother is perfect, but she hopes Shreya will keep trying.
During Diwali, Maya returns home for a final chance to celebrate with the family, and the children organize a special event in her honor. A family photograph brings everyone together, with Shreya welcomed as part of the unit. Ten years pass, and the story ends at Aleya’s wedding, where Shreya presents a bracelet that once belonged to Maya—a tangible token of the enduring bond and the life she helped nurture.
