Betaal Pachisi - Story 15 - Lover of Princess

Vikrama tries again to catch vetala. After several attempts he succeeds and starts taking him to the ascetic. Vetala starts narrating him a story so that they can easily complete the long journey once again but warns him not to speak anything else he will go back to his place again. He begins narrating story about the princess of Kusumawati kingdom - Chandraprabha. She loved a man named Manukumar. Both of them loved each other and wanted to marry each other but this was not possible as Manu was poor. King wanted to marry Chandraprabha in another kingdom. So, the princess asks Manu to leave the place and forget her as their marriage is not possible. He left with a heavy heart.

On the other hand, a magician was returning from the business trip with his son,Shashi. He was attacked by goons on the way to Kusumawati. Manu saw this and fought bravely with them. He saved their lives. Magician was really happy with Manu and asked him for any wish. He told them that he loves king’s daughter and wanted to stay with her in disguise. So, help him with the same. Magician agreed and asked him to wear a ring in his right hand. As soon as he wore the ring, he got converted into a beautiful woman. When Manu removed the ring and put it on his left hand, he again regained his real self.

Manu disguised as woman went to king with his son and magician. Magician told king that he wants to go for a pilgrimage and introduced Manu as Manu Kumari, fiancee of his son, to the king. He requested king to provide shelter to his daughter-in-law till the time he is away on pilgrimage. King agreed for the same. Soon, Manu Kumari and Chandraprabha became friends. One day, he asked Chandraprabha that why you look sad these days. Chandraprabha tells him about his love, Manu. Manu tells her that he can help in arranging their meeting. Manu moves the ring to his left finger. Princess is really happy to see Manu. Manu reveals the secret of ring to Chandraprabha.

Son of minister saw both Manu and Chandraprabha playing happily. He started liking Manu Kumari. He proposed her one day. Minister told king about his son’s desire to marry Manu. King agreed for the same. Manu on the other hand, while playing with Chandraprabha, gets hurt on his finger and is unable to remove the ring from his right finger. King informs Manu about the marriage alliance with minister’s son. Manu is unable to reveal the truth and gets married to minister’s son. Magician is back from pilgrimage and is shocked to know the truth. He curses king starts troubling him. King requests him to be calm and proposed marriage of his daughter with his son, Shashi.

Minister’s son informs Manu about the same. Manu removes the ring from his hand and puts it on his left finger. He runs to Chandraprabha’s wedding place to stop the wedding. He tells everyone that he will marry the princess. At this point, Vetala stops narrating the story and asks Vikrama a question - Whose wife is Chandraprabha - Manu’s or Shashi’s. Vikrama tells that Chandraprabha is Shashi’s wife as Shashi is getting married to her with rituals. Manu no doubt loved her a lot but Chandraprabha is Shashi’s wife only.

Vetala gets happy with Vikrama’s answer but he again flies back to his abode telling that he could not keep quite. Vikrama runs behind him again to catch him.