With great gratitude and humility, Kacha acknowledged the profound gift he had received. He spoke reverently to his teacher, Shukra, saying, “He who pours the nectar of knowledge into the ears of one ignorant, as you have done for me, noble one, is to be regarded as both father and mother. Knowing such a deed, one should never act with hostility toward the giver.” He continued, “He who imparts the supreme truth, the best of treasures, is the treasure among treasures for those who have gained knowledge. Those who fail to honor the venerable teacher fall to worlds of sinners, unstable and without foundation.” Meanwhile, the aftermath of Kacha’s ordeal unfolded. Having committed the deception of drinking wine and suffering the terrible loss of consciousness, the Danavas witnessed Kacha restored after being swallowed due to their intoxication. Rising in anger, the great-souled Kavya, Shukra himself, was enraged at the drinking of wine and spoke sternly: “From this day onward, any Brahmin who, out of delusion and dullness of mind, drinks liquor here, abandoning righteousness and Brahmanhood, will be condemned in this world and by others. I have established this boundary of Brahmin duty for all the worlds; let virtuous Brahmins, attentive to their teachers, and all gods and beings listen.” Having thus spoken, Shukra, that unfathomable treasure of ascetics, summoned the Danavas whose minds were bewildered by the gods. He addressed them firmly: “O Danavas, you are childish. The accomplished Kacha will remain with me. Having obtained the Sanjivani knowledge, this great-souled Brahmin, equal in brilliance and become Brahman, will stay. Kacha performed this difficult deed for the sake of the gods; his fame will not fade with age, and he will be worthy of sacrifice.” With these words, the descendant of Bhrigu ceased his speech, and the Danavas, struck with wonder, returned to their own abode. Kacha, after dwelling with his teacher for a hundred years, received permission to depart and sought to return to the abode of the gods. As he prepared to leave, Devayani, Shukra’s daughter, approached him and spoke tenderly: “Grandson of the sage Angiras, you shine by conduct, lineage, knowledge, austerity, and self-restraint. Just as Angiras, my father’s father, is honored and renowned, so too is my father, Brihaspati, esteemed and worthy of worship. Knowing this, understand what I say, O ascetic; as I have acted toward you, steadfast in vows and discipline. You, accomplished in learning, ought to accept me, your devoted one; take my hand in proper form, with mantra as prescribed. Just as your father is honored and revered by you, so you, flawless one, are even more worthy of worship by me.” Kacha replied with gentle firmness: “You are dearer than life itself to the great-souled descendant of Bhrigu; as my teacher’s daughter, you are always worthy of reverence from me according to righteousness. Just as my teacher, Shukra, your father, is always honored by me, so, Devayani, are you. You should not speak to me in this way. You are the daughter of my teacher, and I am the son of your father’s student; therefore, you are worthy of honor and respect from me, O best of the twice-born.” Devayani pleaded, recalling her affection and devotion: “When the Asuras repeatedly killed you, Kacha, remember today the affection I had for you. You know my highest devotion in friendship and love; O knower of righteousness, you should not abandon your devoted, blameless one.” Kacha responded, “O Devayani, you ought not to command me in what is not to be commanded; be gracious to me, O fair-browed one, for you are even more venerable to me than my teacher, O auspicious lady. Wherever you, O wide-eyed one with a face like the moon, have dwelt, there have I also dwelt, abiding in the womb of Kavya, O radiant one. By law, you are my sister, O slender-waisted one; do not speak thus. I have dwelt happily, O gentle lady, and I bear no anger. I take leave of you and will depart; wish me well on my journey. Without violating righteousness, remember me when the story is told again. Ever rise with care and serve my teacher devotedly.” Devayani, wounded by his refusal, declared, “If, when entreated for the sake of righteousness and desire, you reject me, then, O Kacha, this knowledge will not attain its fruition for you.” Kacha replied, “I have refused you, considering you as the teacher’s daughter, and not out of fault; nor was I permitted by my teacher. Therefore, curse me as you wish. Speaking in accordance with the ancient law, O Devayani, I have been cursed by you undeservedly, out of desire today, not according to righteousness. Therefore, the desire you have will not be fulfilled in that way; no son of a sage will ever take your hand in marriage. Your knowledge will not bear fruit as you have said to me; but to whomever I teach it, for him the knowledge will bear fruit.” Having spoken thus, Kacha, the best of the twice-born, swiftly departed for the abode of the lord of the gods. Seeing him arrive, the gods, led by Indra, honored Kacha together with Brihaspati and spoke: “The wondrous deed you have done for our benefit will not destroy your fame; you shall partake of your share.” When Kacha had mastered the Sanjivani knowledge, the gods rejoiced. Having learned that knowledge from Kacha, they were fulfilled. Then all the gods assembled and said to Shatakratu, Indra: “Now is the time for your prowess; destroy the enemies, O Purandara.” Thus addressed, Maghavan replied, “So be it,” and set forth. As he went, he saw women playing in a forest like Chaitraratha. Becoming the wind, he mingled all their garments together. When the maidens came out of the water, each took whatever garments were at hand, in various ways. There, Sharmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, unknowingly took the garment of Devayani, as all the garments had been mixed together. Thus, the story unfolds, weaving together the lessons of knowledge, duty, and the intricate destinies of teacher, student, and those who love them.