Editing Nala (section)

=== Rediscovery and Reunion ===
Meanwhile, Damayanti has been found by her father and taken back to Vidarbha. She remains committed to searching for Nala, despite widespread assumptions of his demise. When the messenger Parnada reports about Bahuka, the skilled charioteer in Ayodhya who responds to the verses with ones only Nala could know, she devises a plan. She instructs a Brahmin to inform Rituparna that she will hold a second svayamvara the following day, knowing that only Nala can drive a chariot fast enough to reach Vidarbha within that time. As expected, Rituparna, eager to win Damayanti’s hand, orders Bahuka to drive him to Vidarbha with great speed. During the journey, Rituparna demonstrates his ability to count the leaves on a tree at a glance, showcasing his mastery of Akshahridaya (the art of gambling). In exchange, Nala reveals his expertise in horse-riding (Ashvahridaya), and they exchange their knowledge. At the moment he gains this new knowledge, Nala expels Kali’s influence from his body.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:The maiden was loth to hearken to Nala,s message.jpg|thumb|Union of Nala and Damayanti, 20th century illustration]]
Upon their arrival in Vidarbha, Rituparna is surprised to find no actual preparations for a swayamvara and realizes he has been misled. Meanwhile, Damayanti, hearing the roar of the approaching chariot, suspects that Nala is the driver and sends her maid Keshini to investigate. Keshini tests Bahuka by quoting the verses; he replies with Nala’s. Although Nala does not reveal his identity, his emotions betray him when he hears of Damayanti’s suffering. Damayanti instructs Kesini to closely observe Bahuka’s actions. She notes several supernatural qualities:
*He does not need to lower his head when passing through doorways, as the upper sill lifts on its own.
*He moves through crowds without obstruction, as people instinctively make way for him.
*Empty water pots fill instantly when he gazes upon them.
*A blade of grass catches fire when he stretches it toward the sun.
*Fire does not burn him, even when he touches it.
*When he crushes a flower, it blooms again, appearing more vibrant and fragrant.
Remembering that Nala was an exceptional cook, Damayanti requests food prepared by Bahuka. Upon tasting it, she recognizes the distinct flavor of Nala’s cooking, confirming her suspicions. As a final test, Damayanti sends their children, Indrasena and Indrasenā, to Bahuka. Overcome with emotion, Bahuka embraces them and weeps. When questioned, he claims he is moved because they resemble two children he once knew. Finally, Damayanti confronts him, accusing him of abandoning her in the forest. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nala blames Kali and expresses pain at the second svayamvara. Damayanti explains it was a ruse and affirms her fidelity. [[Vayu]], the wind god, affirms Damayanti’s faithfulness. Nala then dons the divine garments provided by Karkotaka, restoring his true form and the couple is reunited.<ref name=":0" />

King Bhima receives Nala with joy. Rituparna congratulates him and asks forgiveness for mistreating him, which Nala grants, gifting Rituparna his knowledge of horse mastery. Nala then returns to Niṣadha with an escort and challenges Puṣkara to a rematch. Confident, Puṣkara accepts, hoping to claim Damayanti. This time, Nala wins decisively, regaining his kingdom and all that he had lost. However, in an act of magnanimity, he forgives Pushkara. Nala rules wisely, restoring prosperity to his people.<ref name=":0" /> 

The story has also been adapted into the 12th century text [[Nishadha Charita]], one of the five ''[[mahakavya]]s'' (great epic poems) in the canon of Sanskrit literature, where few additional plot details are invented.<ref>{{cite book | title=The Indian Encyclopaedia | year=2002 | publisher=Genesis Publishing | page=5079 | isbn=9788177552577 | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ncL8Ve9FqNwC&q=Naishadha&pg=PA5079}}</ref><ref name=Kunhan>{{cite book |title = Survey of Sanskrit Literature | author = C.Kunhan Raja | publisher = Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan | pages = 136, 146–148 | url = https://www.scribd.com/doc/223739875/Survey-of-Sanskrit-Literature-C-Kunhan-Raja}}</ref>{{rp|136}}