Artisans labored to construct grand platforms, adorning them with fine coverings. Magnificent assembly halls of many shapes and splendor were prepared, all in readiness for the royal wedding. Amidst these lavish arrangements, the beautiful-eyed Śaśikalā, heavy with sorrow, confided in her trusted friend. In the privacy of her chamber, she said, “Please tell my mother for me: the husband I have chosen in my heart is the noble son of Dhruvasandhi.” Her resolve was unwavering. “I will not accept any other husband but Sudarśana—the king’s son, chosen by the very Goddess. He alone is my husband.” Vyāsa narrates that the devoted companion, hearing these heartfelt words, hurried to Śaśikalā’s mother. In a gentle, private conversation, she conveyed Vaidarbhī’s message: “Your daughter is distressed, noble lady. She has asked me to speak for her. Please listen and do what is best for her. In Bhāradvāja’s holy hermitage dwells Dhruvasandhi’s son. He is the one she has chosen in her heart, and she will not choose any other king.” Hearing this, the queen waited until her husband returned. Faithfully, she told him all that their daughter had said. The king was astonished by these words; he smiled again and again, and addressed his wife, Vaidarbhī: “Subāhu’s words are true. You know well, O beautiful-browed one, that this boy was exiled to the forest. He lives there with his mother, alone and destitute. For his sake, King Vīrasena was killed by Yudhājit. How can such a man, stripped of everything, be a suitable husband for our daughter?” “Speak to our daughter,” he continued, “even if your words are hard for her to hear. Soon, kings of established power will arrive for the svayaṃvara.” Vyāsa describes what happened next. The queen, after hearing her husband’s words, took her daughter onto her lap. She comforted the pure-smiling Śaśikalā, speaking to her with gentle affection: “Why, sweet-smiling one, do you speak such unwelcome words? Your father is pained by them. Sudarśana is most unfortunate—he has lost his kingdom, is without support, without army or wealth, abandoned by his relatives. He lives in the forest with his mother, thin and surviving on fruits and roots. This forest-dweller, so unfortunate, is not a suitable husband for you.” “There are other royal princes—wise, handsome, honored—adorned with royal insignia, who are worthy of you, my daughter. Even his brother now rules in Kosala, a prince of beauty and auspicious marks. And know this as well: King Yudhājit constantly seeks Sudarśana’s death. After killing King Vīrasena, Yudhājit installed his own grandson on the throne. He even went to Bhāradvāja’s hermitage to kill Sudarśana, but was restrained by the sage, and returned home.” Śaśikalā replied with clear devotion: “Mother, the prince in the forest is the one I desire, just as Sukanyā was devoted to her husband at her father Śaryāti’s word. As Cyavana’s wife was steadfast in service, so too is service to one’s husband the path to heaven and liberation for women. When done without deceit, it brings happiness. The Goddess herself instructed me of this supreme boon in a dream.” “How could I seek another, when Sudarśana is inscribed on the foundation of my heart by the Goddess? I will not forsake him, my beloved and dear one, for any other.” Vyāsa tells us that despite her mother’s many arguments, Śaśikalā remained firm in her choice. The queen then reported everything to her husband, especially the urgency with the wedding day approaching. She quickly sent the Brahmin, Shashikala, to Sudarśana, instructing him to go discreetly so her father would not know. She told the Brahmin, “Go to the Bhāradvāja hermitage and deliver my words swiftly: My father has arranged a svayaṃvara for me. Many powerful kings will come, but you alone have been chosen in my heart. The Goddess, radiant as a celestial, instructed me in a dream. I would sooner eat poison or leap into fire than choose another. Even if my parents insist, in mind, action, and speech, you alone are my chosen one. By the grace of the Goddess, happiness will come to us both. Come here, relying on Her supreme strength. The whole world, moving and unmoving, is under Her control; whatever She ordains cannot be false. All the gods, including Śankara, are under Her command. Tell all this to the prince in private. Whatever my purpose, you must accomplish it, O blameless one.” Having received her message and a gift, the Brahmin went quickly and relayed everything to Sudarśana, then returned. Sudarśana, understanding the gravity of the message, resolved to depart at once, urged on by the sage’s counsel and with the utmost respect. As he prepared to leave, his mother Manorama, trembling and overwhelmed with sorrow and fear, her eyes brimming with tears, spoke to him: “Where are you going now, my son, into the assembly of kings? Alone, surrounded by enemies, what do you hope to achieve at the svayaṃvara? The king, eager for your death in battle, will surely confront you.” Thus, the tale unfolds, with Śaśikalā’s unwavering devotion and Sudarśana’s resolve, both guided by the will of the Goddess, amidst the trials and uncertainties of fate.