The priest instructed Prince Susim and Princess Ratri to offer the flower garlands in their hands at the feet of Dhrutdev.
Both of them stepped forward and offered the garlands to the deity.
After the offering, the priest applied a tilak on their foreheads and then asked them to seek the blessings of Dhrutdev.
"Ratri and Rudra, go and take the blessings of Dhrutdev," Queen Takshika said.
Both nodded in agreement and walked toward the idol, bowing down to receive blessings.
"Congratulations, Princess and Lord Rudra. From today onward, you are husband and wife by Gandharva marriage."
Both of them were stunned.
"What!? Marriage!?"
"Mother, what is the priest saying!?" Ratri asked.
"The priest is congratulating you both on your marriage—what else?" the Queen replied calmly.
"But… our marriage?!"
"Yes."
"I know both of you are busy with your missions, so an Arya-style marriage isn't possible right now. That's why I decided to arrange your Gandharva marriage for the time being."
"Once your mission is complete, we will conduct your proper Arya marriage in front of the entire kingdom."
"Do not worry—this marriage will remain a secret until you both choose to reveal it yourselves."
"But Mother, why did you do this? What was the need for this marriage? Why such urgency?"
"There is a reason, Ratri. But forgive me—I cannot tell you right now. Asking me questions will not help."
"Now come, both of you. Let's return to the palace."
They returned to the palace and sat in Ratri's chamber, trying to understand and accept the sudden turn of events.
"Purva, forgive me. Because of me, you had to face all this today. But I hope you understand my helplessness."
"From today, you are no longer my maid—you are my friend. If you ever need anything, you can tell me without hesitation."
"And now, you don't need to stay in this disguise anymore. Go and change into your real clothes."
"Yes, Princess."
Prince Susim changed into female attire and stood before the Princess.
Ratri's heart burned with guilt, while Susim was secretly looking for an opportunity to obtain the Neelmani of Takshak Lok.
Just then, a maid entered.
"Greetings, Princess. Your friend Kumar wishes to meet you."
"Send him in."
"Yes, Princess."
"Greetings, Ratri."
"Greetings, Kumar. Come, I was just about to meet you."
"Me? Why? Is everything alright?"
(Angrily) "Nothing is alright."
"What do you mean?"
Ratri told Kumar everything that had happened that evening.
After hearing it all, Kumar burst into loud laughter.
(Angrily) "Kumar! I'm discussing such a serious matter with you, and you're laughing like this!?"
"What can I do, Ratri?" he said, still laughing. "Anyone would laugh at this. Just imagine—when the Queen finds out that you married your maid, who isn't even a man but a woman, her face will be worth seeing! And how will you face King Takshak after that?"
"But truly, such a marriage! If only I had been there, it would have been so entertaining."
He started laughing again.
"This all happened because of you, Kumar!"
"Because of me!? What did I do?"
"I sent you a message last night to come meet me so we could solve this problem—but you're only arriving now, after everything has already happened!"
"Forgive me, Ratri. I wasn't in Takshak Lok yesterday. I had gone outside for your work."
"For my work?"
"Yes. Here."
Kumar handed her a document.
"It contains detailed information about the security zones of Naumar and Kusumdhwaj."
Ratri took the document.
"That's impressive, Kumar. You always exceed my expectations."
"Well, I have to. Who knows when you might get angry and have my head cut off? For my own safety, I must do extra work."
"Alright, I'll leave now. You enjoy your wedding day with your wife," he teased.
"Many congratulations on your marriage!"
Saying this, Kumar left.
Ratri turned to Purva.
"Purva, rest in the chamber. I'll meet you later."
"Yes, Princess."
After Ratri left, Susim found the perfect opportunity to obtain the Neelmani.
He stepped out, changed his appearance, and wandered through the palace. Eventually, he reached Guru Rambh's chamber, where he found many strange and mysterious objects.
Inside a chest, he discovered a map of Takshak Lok.
Taking the map, he returned to the Princess's chamber and studied it carefully. After some time, he understood it—and also discovered the location of the Neelmani.
He went to that place, but obtaining the gem proved extremely difficult.
He kept trying until morning, but failed to retrieve it.
Meanwhile, Ratri was searching for him in her chamber.
Finally, Susim returned to the palace.
"Purva, where were you? I've been looking for you!"
"I had gone to the forest to bring fruits for you… and I also have palace duties to attend to."
"No. From today, you don't need to work in the palace. You are my friend now, not a servant. You will live here as my companion."
"Here—these royal clothes are for you. Wear them."
"Yes, Princess."
Meanwhile, King Takshak returned to the palace after completing the ritual and sent a message summoning Princess Ratri to his chamber.
A maid delivered the message.
"Greetings, Princess. King Takshak has summoned you."
"Alright, you may go."
"Yes."
Princess Ratri then left to meet King Takshak in his chamber.