The next day, after completing the final stage of the yajna, the King goes to the princess's chamber and says—
"Bless you, child."
"Baba!" "Pranam, Baba."
"Child, we wanted to speak with you. If you have time, may we talk?"
"Yes, Baba, please go ahead."
"Child, because of you, our Charuk disease has been cured, and our kingdom is now completely safe. But we were thinking of organizing a yajna for the peace and prosperity of our people—and we want you to perform it."
"That is why we have already instructed Guru Rambh to begin the preparations. However, we thought we should inform you about it."
"So, today, you must come to the monastery and complete the yajna. It will begin in the evening."
"Yes, Baba. I will be there on time."
"Good."
Saying this, King Takshak leaves.
That night, Princess Ratri informs her friend Kumar about the yajna and invites him as well.
Kumar says—
"Ratri, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to attend the yajna."
"Why?"
"I have to leave Takshak for some important work, so I won't be present."
"That's alright, Kumar. You go and complete your work."
"By the way, Ratri, I wanted to tell you something."
"What?"
"You know that I really like Purva…"
"Yes, I know."
"So… will you talk to her about me?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean… whether she likes me or not. Ratri… I want to marry her."
"Alright. You go. I will talk to her today itself."
"Thank you, Ratri." "Pranam." "Pranam."
Ratri then goes to Prince Susim, who is sitting in the garden, planning to steal the magical gems that evening.
"Pranam, Purva."
"Oh, Princess! Pranam."
"Sit down. I wanted to ask you something."
"Yes, Princess?"
"What do you think about our friend Kumar?"
"He is good… but I don't understand what you mean."
"Well… Kumar likes you a lot and wants to marry you. Would you accept his proposal?"
(After a brief silence)
"Yes, Princess… I also like Kumar very much, and I want to marry him. So, I accept his proposal."
Ratri, happily—
"That's wonderful! Since you also like him, introduce us to your family. I will personally speak to them about this alliance."
"Yes, Princess."
"Princess, if you don't mind, may I ask you something?"
"Yes, of course."
"Why do you always wear this mask on your face? I've never seen you without it. Why do you need to hide your face?"
Ratri is unable to answer this question because she herself does not know the reason. No one has ever discussed it with her.
For the first time, she is left speechless.
"Forgive me, Purva… I myself don't know why I wear this mask."
"Have you never asked your family about it?"
"I once tried asking Baba, but he avoided the question. After that, I never thought much about it again… nor did I ask."
"Alright, you rest. I'll leave now."
"Yes, Princess."
By evening, the yajna has already begun at the monastery. Guru Rambh and King Takshak are present, and a follower is sent to call the princess.
As soon as Ratri receives the message, she reaches the monastery.
The monastery is surrounded by skeletons of animals and humans. Guru Rambh's disciples are offering animal heads into the sacred fire, continuing the ritual.
The air echoes with chanting.
Guru Rambh sits at the head of the ritual, surrounded by his followers.
Ratri arrives and says—
"Pranam, Baba."
"Pranam, Ratri. Come, join the yajna and complete it."
"Yes, Baba."
As she approaches the ritual fire, Guru Rambh signals her to sit. She obeys and begins performing the yajna as instructed.
But as the ritual progresses, her consciousness begins to weaken.
Slowly, a radiant energy starts emerging from her body, spreading in all directions.
This uncontrolled release of energy causes her immense pain.
A painful cry escapes her lips—
"Baba… what is happening to me?" "Why is so much energy coming out of me?"
Her voice is filled with such agony that even King Takshak feels pity.
He tries to stop Guru Rambh—
"Stop, Gurudev! The child is in great pain. I cannot bear to see this. Please stop the yajna!"
But Guru Rambh does not stop.
Instead, he reminds the king of all the defeats he suffered at the hands of King Drishtadum, and the humiliation he faced in the marketplace when the princess insulted him in front of the people.
He says—
"Maharaj, you are showing mercy to the fragment of your enemy… the same enemy who defeated you countless times, humiliated you, and forced you to become an object of pity."