The king and the apsara were so much in love with each other that the apsara even forgot heaven for some time.
In due course a daughter was born to Rambha and King Sushena.
However, immediately after giving birth to the child, Rambha became very sad.
“I am an Apsara and I belong to the land of Indra. According to the law that governs us, as soon as I have given birth to a child I must leave you and depart.”
The king was also heartbroken when Rambha turned to him with tear-filled eyes and she tried to console him. “However, when our daughter is married, we may be united again.”
The apsara did not say anything else and much against her will she left the king and went back to the land of Indra.
The king was very sad and did not know what to do. But his ministers were very wise and they also consoled him.
The ministers gave the king the example of sage Vishwamitra and Menaka the Apsara, who had faced separation too.
Finally the king understood the argument of his ministers and he took reigns of a kingdom again and he also decided to bring up his daughter with all love and care.
He named the girl Sulochana.
Adapted from the Katha Sarith Sagara
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