One hour later.
A black Mercedes came to a stop in front of Sneha's house. The door opened and Arundhati Devbarman stepped out. She was wearing an off-white sari, her hair neatly tied in a bun, light kohl lining her eyes. Her face was etched with concern. Surajit Uncle and Nitu Aunty, watching from the window, were stunned to see Mrs. Arundhati Devbarman's car.
The moment Arundhati entered the house, the entire room seemed to brighten with her presence. She walked straight to Sneha's bedside. Seeing the girl's pale, lifeless face and her swollen, fever-reddened eyes, tears welled up in Arundhati's own eyes.
She sat down gently beside Sneha on the bed.
**Arundhati** (softly placing her hand on Sneha's forehead):
"Oh my sweet child… just look at the state you're in!"
Sneha immediately clung to her, wrapping her arms tightly around Arundhati.
While gently stroking Sneha's head, Arundhati said,
"Seeing Sneha like this is breaking my heart."
Sneha's uncle and aunt watched them silently from a distance. Medha stood a little farther away, observing everything.
**Arundhati** (in a firm voice):
"I've learned everything. I know what Riddhiman's family has been doing to all of you."
Sneha's uncle and aunt assumed Sneha must have called her. In reality, it was Anirban Sir who had told Arundhati Devbarman the entire story.
**Arundhati** (resolutely):
"I will deal with Riddhiman's family. No one will be allowed to torment anyone like this anymore."
**Surajit Uncle** (eyes wide with surprise):
"You… you're doing all this for us? You are so kind… so gracious…"
**Nitu Aunty** (tears flowing):
"You are truly great. Sneha is so fortunate to have someone like you who cares for her…"
**Surajit Uncle** (gratefully):
"You're going to so much trouble… for ordinary people like us…"
**Arundhati:**
"I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for my son, Anurag."
The room fell silent for a moment.
**Surajit Uncle** (startled):
"Anurag… Sir…"
Mrs. Arundhati Devbarman said,
"Yes, that Anurag — the one who used to tutor your daughter. The chemistry teacher at her school."
Surajit Ray and Nitu Ray were completely stunned. It felt as if the ground had been pulled out from beneath their feet.
Sneha's uncle and aunt had never imagined in their wildest dreams that the young man they had insulted and driven away so harshly belonged to such a powerful family. They had never suspected it — Anurag Sir had never shown any trace of arrogance or wealth. Though he looked like a prince, they had never thought he actually *was* one.
Moreover, the idea that the son of such an influential family would work as an ordinary, temporary chemistry teacher was completely beyond their imagination.
Sneha's uncle and aunt were now filled with deep regret.
They had spoken so harshly to the son of such a powerful woman!
It was only because of Anurag Sir that his mother, Arundhati Devbarman, had shown so much care and affection toward Sneha.
They had wanted to marry Sneha into a wealthy, influential family like Riddhiman's for her own good. Yet a far more powerful and loving family had already been right beside her!
Sneha had never told them that Arundhati Devbarman was actually Anurag Sir's mother. She had been too shy to reveal it — because admitting it would have exposed her relationship with Sir. Instead, she had simply said Arundhati Devbarman had come to donate to the orphanage near their school and that was how they had met.
Sneha's uncle and aunt now felt overwhelming guilt for the way they had treated Anurag Sir.
If she wished, this woman could ruin their lives with a single word. She could punish them in any way she wanted.
They both grew extremely anxious.
**Surajit Uncle** (folding his hands and kneeling):
"Please forgive us, Madam… We behaved so terribly with Anurag Sir… We had no idea…"
**Nitu Aunty** (crying):
"We were only thinking of Sneha… We truly didn't know… We insulted him… Please forgive us…"
**Surajit Uncle:**
"If we had known he was your son, we would never have said those things… Please forgive us…"
**Arundhati** (quickly helping them stand):
"Oh, what are you doing? Please get up! Whatever you did was right. My son made a mistake. He did it out of love, but it was still a mistake. You behaved exactly as ideal guardians should. If I were in your place, I would have done the same. There is no need to apologise, please."
Sneha's uncle and aunt realised that this woman was not only powerful and extraordinarily beautiful — her heart was pure gold. How could any human being be so kind?
If her son was anything like her, he could never be a bad man.
Mrs. Arundhati Devbarman turned back to Sneha.
Sneha was still clinging to her. Her eyes were red and wet with tears. Arundhati gently stroked her head.
Seeing the scene, Sneha's uncle and aunt felt a strange sense of peace. Medha watched from a distance, thinking to herself, *Didi's mother-in-law is truly awesome!*
Suddenly, Sneha lifted her head slightly.
**Sneha** (whispering weakly):
"Mom…"
Arundhati was startled.
**Sneha** (crying desperately):
"Mom… please tell Anurag Sir to come to me just once… please… please please please please please… Mom… I won't ask for anything else… I won't trouble anyone… I'll listen to everything… just please tell my Sir to come once."
With every word her feverish body trembled.
Arundhati gently stroked Sneha's head.
*This poor girl truly loves my son so deeply!!!* she thought.
**Arundhati:**
"Yes, my child… I'll tell him right now. He will come. He'll come very soon. Don't worry at all."
She took out her phone and called Anurag.
**To be continued…**