King Vikramaditya, fulfilling his promise to the supernatural being known as the Betal, once again climbed the tree, lifted the Betal onto his shoulder, and began walking. The Betal commenced a new story. Long ago, in the city of Avantipur, lived a Brahmin. The Brahmin's wife gave birth to a beautiful daughter and passed away. The Brahmin loved his daughter dearly and fulfilled every wish of hers, working tirelessly day and night to do so. His daughter's name was Vishakha. She gradually grew into a beautiful and intelligent young woman.
One night, while Vishakha was sleeping, a thief entered her room through a window and hid behind the curtains. Vishakha, startled, asked, "Who are you?" He replied, "I am a thief. The king's guards are pursuing me. Please help me. I will not harm you." Just then, the king's guards knocked on the door. Vishakha, choosing not to reveal the thief, the guards left. The thief exited the room, thanked Vishakha, and departed the way he had entered.
Vishakha and the thief began meeting frequently in the marketplace, and their meetings fostered a growing affection between them. Their love developed. Vishakha's father, however, was vehemently opposed to the idea of her marrying a thief. Thus, they secretly married. A period of happiness ensued. One day, the king's guards apprehended the thief. He was condemned to death for robbing a wealthy household. When Vishakha learned of this, she wept. After the thief's death, Vishakha's father, after counseling with her, arranged her marriage to another man. A few months later, she bore a son, whom her husband accepted as his own.
Vishakha lived happily with her husband, but unfortunately, five years later, she died. Her father lovingly raised their son. A deep bond of love existed between father and son. Gradually, the boy grew into a kind and compassionate young man. One day, his father also passed away. The son, grief-stricken, went to the riverbank to pray for the peace of his parents. He began performing prayers, filling a water-filled bowl, when three glowing hands emerged from the water. One hand held bangles. It said, "Son, I am your mother." The young man offered water to the spirit. The second hand said, "I am your father." The third hand remained silent. The young man asked, "Who are you?" The third hand replied, "Son, I am also your father. I am the one who raised you with affection and care."
The Betal inquired of the King, "Your Majesty, to whom should the son offer water—to which father?" Vikramaditya replied, "To the one who raised him. The son followed the actions of the one who nurtured him. If the father had not cared for the child after the mother's death, perhaps the child would have perished. The one who provided for the young man is the rightful father." The Betal sighed. Vikramaditya had once again offered the correct answer. The Betal descended from King Vikramaditya's shoulder and returned to the tree.
