As the tale unfolds, tragedy strikes with sudden force. Pramadvara, an excellent woman, is bitten by a serpent and succumbs to death, sending shockwaves of grief through all who witness her lifeless form. A great commotion arises as the sages gather, overwhelmed by sorrow and wailing in lamentation. Her father, seeing his beloved daughter fallen to the ground, is engulfed in grief and weeps over her, mourning her radiant yet lifeless body. The cries of sorrow reach Ruru, who comes to see the scene for himself. He finds Pramadvara lying there, appearing almost alive, his beloved surrounded by Sthulakesha and other eminent sages, all weeping bitterly. Unable to bear the pain, Ruru leaves the place, his heart shattered by separation. Outside, he laments, “Alas! By fate, this serpent was sent—truly astonishing!” He curses the cause of his misery, the destroyer of his happiness, wondering what he should do and where he should go, now that his beloved is dead. Ruru declares that he cannot imagine life separated from Pramadvara. She, of lovely form, has never been embraced or kissed by him. By his misfortune, he has not obtained her hand in marriage, nor performed the ritual of offering parched grain into the fire with her. He despairs of human life, feeling his very soul depart in anguish. Even death, though desired by one suffering, does not come easily. He questions how he could ever attain the happiness he longs for, whether heavenly or earthly. In his desperation, he contemplates plunging into a dreadful river, casting himself into fire, drinking poison, or tying a noose around his neck to abandon his life. Lamenting thus, Ruru weeps, pondering his fate and standing on the riverbank, considering what fruit death or self-destruction might bring. He realizes that his death would only bring grief to his father and deep sorrow to his mother. Perhaps, he thinks, fate would be satisfied seeing him abandon his life, and all might rejoice at his destruction. Yet, he wonders, what benefit would his death bring to his beloved, even in the next world? If he dies by his own hand, tormented by separation, he knows that even then, Pramadvara would not be his in the next world, for self-slaughter carries its own consequences. Reflecting on these truths, Ruru concludes that the faults would be his if he dies, but not if he refrains. He weeps, having bathed and purified himself, standing firm in his resolve. Then, he takes water in his hands and speaks: “Whatever good I have done—worship of the gods, honoring my teachers with devotion, offering oblations, reciting, performing austerities, studying all the Vedas, sanctifying the Gāyatrī, and worshipping the Sun—if I have gained merit, may my beloved be restored to life. If she does not live, then I will abandon my own life.” Having spoken these words, Ruru pours the water upon the ground, having worshipped the deities with sincerity. At that moment, as he grieves for his wife, a divine messenger approaches and speaks to him: “Do not commit such a rash act, O Brahmin. How can your beloved, who is dead, live again? Her life is ended, this fair-hipped one, daughter of a Gandharva and an Apsaras. Desire another beautiful woman, for this one has died unmarried. Why do you weep, O most foolish one? What joy could you have with her?” Ruru responds with unwavering resolve, “Divine messenger, I will not choose another woman.” His words are true, sincere, and exceedingly charming. The divine messenger then reveals a method once devised by the gods: “By granting half of your lifespan, let Pramadvara be revived at once.” Ruru immediately agrees, saying, “I give half my life to the maiden; there is no doubt about this. Today, with her life restored, let my beloved rise again.” At that moment, Viśvāvasu, the king of the Gandharvas, arrives in his celestial chariot, having learned that his daughter Pramadvara has died and departed from the heavenly realm. The king of the Gandharvas and the noble divine messenger approach the Lord of Dharma, addressing him: “O Lord of Dharma, Ruru’s wife is also the daughter of Viśvāvasu. The maiden Pramadvara has died, bitten just now by a serpent. She, desiring to die, is to be revived by half of Ruru’s lifespan, O son of the Sun. Let the slender-bodied girl rise up, by the power of her vow and discipline.” Dharma responds, “If you desire the maiden, daughter of Viśvāvasu, O divine messenger, let her rise by half of Ruru’s lifespan; go and deliver her to Ruru.” Thus instructed, the divine messenger swiftly revives Pramadvara and delivers her to Ruru. On an auspicious day, according to proper rites, she is married to Ruru. Through this method, even one who was dead is brought back to life. The method must always be performed in accordance with the scriptures. With gems, mantras, and medicines, life is to be protected according to prescribed procedures. The king, having said this, appoints ministers and arranges for guards. He has a splendid seven-storied palace constructed. At that moment, the king’s son ascends it together with his ministers. Brave men bearing gems and mantras are stationed for protection. The king sends the sage Gauramukha, repeatedly requesting forgiveness for the sake of the servant’s favor. Brahmins skilled in perfected mantras are sent for further protection. The minister’s son is stationed there, and elephants are placed for security. The palace is so well guarded that no one can enter—not even the wind can move there; entry is strictly prevented. The king, residing in this splendid palace, arranges all kinds of food and drink, ensuring safety and prosperity for all.