Suddenly a dead silence conquered the universe as Damayanti entered the coliseum. The Kings retired to their courteous behavior fitting for a royalty and were eager to hear the challenges that awaited them. She bowed down in reverence to the assembled kings as the Swayamvara of Damayanti was about to commence. She passed the first few rows of the assembly without uttering a single word. Confused and unsure, the kings didn't turn to look.

Damayanti walked by several lines of suitors. Silence grew as the King’s began to wonder what was to unfold. No challenge was yet announced, no trial was yet laid out but Damayanti walked with a sense of determined task.

"There he is! I can sense him there!" – she said to herself as she approached one end of a long row she was walking past. She began to walk briskly in the direction her heart dictated and took a sharp turn to the left. She came to a sudden halt as a bewildering sight assailed her senses. "What kind of sorcery is this?" she exclaimed to her now numbminded self, which presented her with five men who bore an uncanny resemblance to her beloved, Nal, seated before her. The radiant glow on her face dimmed as she began contemplating an escape. She, in her truest heart, had chosen Nal as her Champion and was attracted by his very presence in that corner of the majestic coliseum. As she stood in her frozen tracks, she gazed in amaze at the five identical men with every physical and meta physical that her lover Nal exuded. She delved into the depths of her soul, questioning, "How can I discern my true love among them? They all appear identical, even their essence feels the same." Her inquiry carried a resolute determination to seek assistance. Moments later, she offered a prayer with the pride of a lioness and the humility of a saint.

Damayanti stood unperturbed, with eyes closed and head bowing in reverence with her palms folded like the delicate petals of a jasmine bud. Love guided her, and as she opened her eyes, she observed distinct variations among the duplicates of her beloved.

One levitated, defying gravity, while another remained unblinking. The garments of the third were miraculously cleansed of stains and wrinkles, and the fourth emitted a radiant light, illuminating a significant portion of the colossal hall. Turning her attention to the fifth, she beheld a figure with a defeated expressions, drooping shoulders, and weathered attire, lost in contemplation of his own feet.

Love emerged triumphant, and even the Gods conceded a rare defeat. Damayanti first embraced Nal with the blessed garland, and then caressed him in her loving arms. The hall erupted in exuberant cheers as the celebrations commenced. Nal and Damayanti were the crowned family a wonderful matrimony awaited.

The universe celebrated their perfect union. Riches and blessings were lavished upon the people across the lands. As the lords and kings departed with mixed emotions, the jubilant festivities continued for several days. Their love flourished like a tree racing towards the heavens. In due course, their love bore them children, and an unshakable harmony permeated their lives. The tumultuous emotions of misery and pain became distant memories. Peace reigned on earth as love prevailed throughout the world, just as the swan had prophesied.

"Love Reigns Supreme" – sang the cheerful Queen in the arms of her beloved King as they strolled through their idyllic life. Their kingdom flourished, and they earned the love and adoration of all. The weather perpetually graced them with its perfection, and Mother Nature showcased her magnificent splendor. A bonfire was lit, and the warmth of their love spread to the farthest corners of the universe.

Kali⁶, the God of vices and the lord of sin, had learned of Damayanti's Swayamvara. Captivated by her beauty and consumed by his own self-love and ego, he descended to the mortal realm of Earth, intending to participate in the Trial of the Champions. He was confident that he would be chosen as the champion above all others. An escort of his disciple demons followed in his shadow.

6 – Kali – a demon that reigns the present age (kali-yuga). Not to be confused with Goddess Kali

However, before he could pass through the gates of the royal capital, where the celebrations of Nal and Damayanti's wedding were winding down, he discovered what had transpired in the coliseum hall. "The Two Peerless have indeed united. Folly be upon those who try to break them apart," the regular folks exclaimed to the infuriated demon lord wearing the façade of the ordinary man. The intense emotions of a scorned and enraged lord of sins caused the clouds to tremble in fear, and the tempestuous storm wreaked havoc upon the wilderness.

Punctuality is a virtue and a way of life for the righteous – the sworn enemies of Kali, the lord of sin. He was late, he was a personified sin. Kali decided to extract his revenge. The grand war board was unveiled, and Kali devised an intricate plan to bring the legendary love story of the King and his Queen to a wretched and ruinous end.

With unwavering patience, he lurked in the shadows for twelve long years, awaiting Nal's descent into a forbidden sin. Kali remained resolute in his scheme and assembled a formidable alliance. Among his recruits was Nal's cunning cousin, Pushkar, who harbored envy for the virtuous Nal with every breath he took. Disguised as a mortal, Kali approached Pushkar, who readily aligned himself with the enemy of his enemy.