Kacha, reflecting on the reverence owed to his ancestors, declares, “Just as Angiras, my illustrious ancestor, is honored, so too is Brihaspati, my father, worthy of worship for me.” He addresses Devayani, the possessor of austerity and steadfast in vows, urging her to understand his words as he conducts himself rightly toward her. He implores Devayani, “You, having completed your studies, should not abandon me, your devoted one. Take my hand in the proper way, with the prescribed mantras.” Kacha affirms again, “Just as my father is worthy of honor and respect for me, so too are you, O faultless one, considered most worthy of worship.” He emphasizes her special place, saying, “By life and breath, you are most dear to the great-souled Bhargava; by righteousness, you, the guru’s daughter, are always worthy of my honor.” Kacha continues, “Just as my guru Shukra, your father, is always honored by me, O Devayani, so too are you; you should not speak to me otherwise. You are to me as a guru’s daughter, not as my father’s daughter; therefore, O best of Brahmins, you are also to be honored and respected by me.” He recalls the trials they endured, “When you, Kacha, were repeatedly slain by the Asuras, remember the affection I had for you from that time onward.” Devayani’s supreme devotion, both in affection and love, is acknowledged, and Kacha pleads, “O knower of dharma, you should not abandon your innocent devotee.” Yet, Kacha gently resists her request: “O virtuous lady, you assign me to a task where I should not be assigned; be gracious, O beautiful one, for you are more venerable than even the guru.” He reveals their shared experience: “Where you, O wide-eyed one, with a face like the moon, have dwelled, there I too have dwelled, O gentle lady, within the womb of Kavya, O radiant woman.” He clarifies their relationship, “By dharma, you are my sister, O auspicious-faced one; do not speak thus. I have dwelled with you happily, O gentle lady, and I bear no anger.” Preparing to depart, Kacha says, “I take leave of you; I shall depart. May my journey be auspicious. Without violating dharma, remember me in another tale. Always be vigilant and devoted, and worship my guru.” Devayani reminds him, “You were slain by the demons, yet I protected you with the resolve of a husband. If you reject me for the sake of dharma, desire, and wealth, then so be it.” Kacha responds, “Then, this knowledge will not attain its fulfillment for you.” He declares, “Declaring myself as the guru’s son, I shall reject you, not out of fault. Having been permitted by the guru, curse me as you wish.” He affirms, “I speak the ancient dharma, O Devayani, just as you do. I am not fit to be cursed by you, O blessed one, either by desire or by dharma today. Therefore, the desire you have will not be fulfilled. No son of a sage will ever take your hand in marriage.” Kacha accepts, “My knowledge will not bear fruit, as you have said. Yet, I shall teach it to another, and for him, the knowledge will bear fruit.” Having spoken thus, Kacha swiftly goes to the abode of the lord of the gods. Upon his arrival, the gods, led by Indra, honor Kacha and joyfully speak to Brihaspati: “O Kacha, you have performed a great and wondrous deed for our benefit. Your fame will not perish, and you shall receive your share.” When Kacha had mastered the knowledge and returned, the gods were delighted, learning from him that he had accomplished his purpose. All assembled and addressed Shatakratu, saying, “Now is the time for your valor; slay the enemies, O Purandara.” Thus addressed, Maghavan agreed and set forth, seeing women in the forest. As the maidens played in the forest, resembling Chaitraratha, the wind, taking form, scattered all their garments. Emerging from the water together, the maidens took up their garments, each as they were arranged, in various ways. There, Sharmishtha, daughter of Vrishaparvan, unknowingly took Devayani’s garment, not realizing the transgression. Because of this, a conflict arose between Devayani and Sharmishtha concerning that matter. Devayani reproached her, “Why do you take my garment, having become my disciple, O Asuri? Lacking proper conduct, you will not attain any good. Your father, sitting and lying, constantly praises and questions my father, behaving humbly and with great propriety. You are the daughter of one who begs, praises, and accepts; I am the daughter of one who is praised and gives, but does not accept. Why do you, unarmed, become angry with one who is armed? You are a beggar and will receive retaliation, but I do not regard you at all.” Sharmishtha, seeing Devayani astonished and clinging to her garment, threw her into a well and then entered her own city. Knowing “She is slain,” Sharmishtha, intent on evil, departed without looking back, driven by anger. Then Yayati, son of Nahusha, arrived at that place, his horses and himself weary, desiring game and thirsty. Looking at the watering place where the water had receded, Nahusha’s son saw that maiden there, radiant like a blazing flame. Seeing the maiden of celestial beauty, the foremost king gently questioned and consoled her with utmost kindness: “Who are you, O lovely-faced, dark-skinned maiden, adorned with well-polished jeweled earrings? Why do you meditate so deeply and sigh so cleverly? How have you fallen into this well, covered with grass and creepers? Whose daughter are you? Tell me everything, O slender-waisted one.