Yash is about to swear on his mother, but Saras holds his hand and stares at him. Everyone is shocked to see Saras stopping Yash. He tells Yash that one cannot falsely swear on their mother. Turning to Vidyachatur, Saras reveals that the previous night, Yash had dropped him at the bus stop, and Yash was driving the car. Everyone looks on in surprise.
Saras admits that he hit the cow and takes responsibility for the incident. Kumud and everyone are left stunned. Vidyachatur questions Saras, asking what he is saying. Saras explains that he was driving the car at high speed when the cow suddenly appeared in front of him. Yash looks ashamed but remains silent.
The villagers accuse Saras of speaking lightly about the matter, attributing it to his ego. They angrily condemn him, saying he has dishonored their values. The pandit reminds everyone that they revere the cow as much as they revere God, and Saras’s actions are unforgivable.
The villagers criticize Saras, claiming that his mother’s values died with her. They mock him, saying that without a mother, he cannot respect the sacred cow. Saras listens to their harsh words patiently, while Kumud and Kusum watch in distress. Some villagers even say that Saras’s late mother would have died of shame seeing this. Vidyachatur lowers his head, deeply affected by the remarks. Badi Maa is shocked and remains silent.
The pandit, who had previously forgiven Saras for polluting the river, declares that this offense cannot be overlooked. Kumud is on the verge of tears as the pandit insists that Saras must be punished. The villagers echo his demand. Vidyachatur pleads that Saras cannot have done this and might be taking the blame for someone else. Saras, however, stands firm and declares he is ready to face the punishment.
Gyaan tries to mediate, arguing that Saras is their guest and should not be punished. The pandit counters, explaining that the cow belonged to Ilaben, whose livelihood depended on it. He asks Gyaan if he will bear Ilaben’s family expenses. Gyaan remains silent. A villager reveals that Saras’s car also injured Ilaben, wounding her hand, and demands a severe punishment for Saras.
The villagers suggest humiliating him by blackening his face and start dragging him away. Kumud rushes to stop them, arguing that Saras is innocent and no one can touch him. The pandit threatens Kumud, warning that if she interferes, she will face punishment too. Kumud asserts her belief in Saras’s innocence, stating that he took the blame to protect her family’s reputation.
She defends Saras, citing his bravery and selflessness in past incidents. She implores the villagers to see reason and not tarnish Saras’s character, as doing so would insult his late mother. Vidyachatur supports Kumud, recalling Saras’s past deeds, and urges the pandit to give him a chance. The pandit finally agrees but imposes a harsh penance.
As part of his punishment, Saras must provide for Ilaben’s family, buy her a new cow, and work hard in the village. He is allowed only one meal a day and must sleep outside Ilaben’s house in all weather conditions. Kumud cries as Saras accepts the punishment. Vidyachatur offers to compensate Ilaben, but Saras insists on following the pandit’s conditions to heal her emotional wounds.
Meanwhile, Yash’s mother, fearing the truth might come out, packs his belongings and urges him to escape. Yash hesitates but eventually flees. Saras goes to Ilaben’s house, where her son opens the door. When Saras confesses to hitting their cow, Ilaben, furious, threatens to retaliate. Kumud overhears the exchange and tries to intervene, but Saras asks her to stay out of it.
In Dubai, Laxminandan asks Ghuman if Saras has called, but she says no. She suspects Laxminandan is hiding something and vows to uncover the truth. Back at Vidyachatur’s house, Yash’s mother claims that Yash left because they sided with Saras. Vidyachatur is shocked, while Kumud’s mother defends Saras, calling him Saraswati’s son, not Ghuman’s.
Later, Kumud tells her mother that Saras is innocent and suffering for her family. Determined to support him, she decides to share his burden. Vidyachatur apologizes to Saras and offers him a blanket. Kumud brings food for Saras and sits with him despite the cold. Saras, noticing she hasn’t eaten either, shares the meal with her, bringing a moment of solace.
