"White Nala and Damyanti -3 Midway, he was stopped by the Gods Indra, Varun, Yama and Agni, the Gods of thunder, water, death and fire respectively. "Hark! Young lad, wait and listen to us," they demanded. Let me go, I have an important place to reach, Nala requested. But the Gods insisted that he listen to them. Finally, Nala relented. We order you to reach Damyanti's chambers and ask her to garland one of us as her husband! After all, when we Gods are there, why would she want to choose a mortal? Nala's heart sank. He knew that the Gods were very powerful and he could not challenge their divine force. But, how do I reach her chambers. I have no access! Nala dithered. "Whooosh! He was immediately transported to Damyanti's rooms. Damyanti at once recognised Nala. After explaining to Damyanti about his unscheduled arrival, Nala told her everything that transpired between him and the Gods. You did the right thing by obeying the Gods and delivering their message. Now do not worry! I will think of something and it will be only you who I will choose to be my husband! Finally, the day of the swayamvara came! Princes and kings from far and wide gathered at Damyanti's father's court! Nala was there too! So were the four Gods! Even though, Nala tried to avoid the Gods, they deliberately sat next to him! Damyanti entered the hall holding a garland. Her glance searched for Nala but to her horror, she saw not just one Nala but five; the four Gods had disguised themselves as Nala. It is the Gods playing a trick! she understood. But now how would Damyanti recognize the real Nala? Damyanti stared closely! Ohh, I know who Nala is; her heart sang. How did Damyanti recognise the real Nala out of the other four lookalikes? Well, the four imposters stared at her with unblinking eyes, the very characteristics of Gods, while the fifth was blinking away humanly! Jubilantly, she garlanded the fifth person. "Very sharp of you, Damyanti! You deserve to be married to Nala smiled the four Gods assuming their true forms! They blessed the couple and returned to heaven. Nala and Damyanti were married and were ever grateful to the swan who helped them. ©Sanjoy Khuman "