Now Rituparna wondered greatly that he beheld no kings or kings' sons, or even signs that a swayamvara was about to be held, but he kept his counsel and said: “I have come to salute thee, O Bhima.”
The royal sire of Damayantí smiled thereat and said unto himself: “He hath not come so speedily through many cities for such a purpose. But we shall know betimes why he hath made this journey.”
Rituparna was conducted to his chamber for rest and refreshment by a company of royal servants, and Várshneya went with them.
Meanwhile Vahuka led his horses to the stables, and Damayantí descended to her chamber, thinking again and again that the sound of the coming chariot was like to the sound of Nala drawing nigh. So she called her fair handmaid, who was named Keśiní, and said unto her: “Go forth and speak to the misshapen charioteer with short arms, for methinks he is Nala.... Ask thou him who he is, and be mindful of his answer.”
The handmaiden went forth and spoke unto Váhuka, saying: “Lo! the Princess Damayantí would fain know whence ye come and for what purpose.”
Said Vahuka: “King Rituparna hath heard that the swayamvara is to be held at dawn to-morrow, so he set forth from Ayodhya and came hither swifter than the wind. I am his charioteer.”
Keśiní asked him: “Who is the third man who hath come?”
Said Váhuka: “Várshneya is his name. He departed unto Ayodhya when Nala fled away.... I am skilled in taming steeds and in preparing viands.”
The handmaiden then asked: “And doth this Varshneya know whither Nala hath fled and how he fares. Hath he told thee aught regarding him?”
Said Váhuka: “Várshneya carried away the children of Nala from Nishadha, but he knows not aught of the rajah, O fair one. Indeed, no man knoweth. He hath assumed a strange form, and wanders disguised about the world.... Nala alone knoweth, nor will he reveal himself.”