Just like the previous journey, when the king was in Lakshmidatta’s ship when the beautiful girl with the wishing tree sprang up the ocean.
This time too she sang about fate.
No sooner had the king seen her, the king was smitten.
When the girl and her wishing tree vanished into the sea, the king could not stop himself and he also jumped into the sea after her.
Lakshmidatta was shocked that an ascetic who had come with him had suddenly jumped into the ocean. He nearly panicked not knowing what to do when a heavenly voice was heard.
“That is not an ascetic, that is King Yasahketu who was disguised as an ascetic. The girl on the wishing tree had been his wife in his previous life. If the king finds her then he shall return to the kingdom of Anga with her and you have nothing to fear.” The voice finished in a firm voice. “You can leave this place and have nothing to fear.”
Lakshmidatta felt grateful to the heavenly voice and continued with his journey to the Island of Gold.
Meanwhile the king had an adventure of his own.
Under the waters, the king was stunned to see a splendid city. The city had beautiful palaces which were placed with bright precious stones.
The king entered every single house and palace in the city, but he could not find the girl anywhere.
There in the middle of the city, he came across an even more grand palace.
The king entered the place and there in the house, he found the beautiful girl fast asleep on the couch.
When the king entered her room, the girl suddenly got up too.
When the two of them saw each other, it was love at first sight for both of them.
Adapted from the Katha Sarith Sagara
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