"Prince Sushim, I only want you to perform a yajna."
"What kind of yajna?"
"For the past two months, a very severe and life-threatening epidemic has spread in my realm. Because of this, an atmosphere of fear has spread among my people.
I want to worship Dhrutdev and seek a cure for this epidemic."
"A demon worshipping Dhrutdev!?
That is surprising."
"I know it sounds strange, but right now I have no other way to protect my people.
Therefore, I must complete this yajna. And besides, Dhrutdev does not discriminate against anyone. He only sees devotion. Whoever worships him with a pure heart and expresses their wish, he fulfills it quickly.
But I am a demon, filled with many flaws. That is why he will never accept my worship…
Unless a righteous man takes responsibility for it.
I know you have no reason to help me, but I also know that the children of Dhrutdev never step back from helping others.
Therefore, O righteous one, please participate in this yajna and bring welfare to my people."
Prince Sushim gets trapped in the emotional manipulation of Demon Nalish and agrees to the yajna.
"Alright, Demon Nalish.
I accept to assist you in this yajna. But before that, I would like to meet my Sanjh."
"Of course, Prince Sushim.
Your Sanjh is safe in the palace.
Come, I will take you there."
Demon Nalish takes Prince Sushim to the royal palace of Nalish Lok, to Princess Ratri's chamber.
Seeing Princess Ratri safe, Prince Sushim feels extremely happy and goes near her.
"Sanjh…
Are you alright?"
"Prince Sushim… you!? "
Princess Ratri runs to him, hugs him, and starts crying.
"Calm down, Sanjh. I am here."
(crying)
"Prince Sushim, what place is this?
I kept asking everyone, but no one answered me.
I don't know how or when I came here.
I thought I would never see you again.
I don't like it here… please take me away."
"Sanjh, don't worry. I promise I will take you away from here soon. But for now, you should rest."
(he wipes her tears)
Demon Nalish then takes Prince Sushim to the yajna site.
"Come, Prince Sushim.
Look, I have built this special yajna hall to please Dhrutdev, so that there is no flaw in the worship."
"That is appropriate, Demon Nalish.
So when will the yajna begin?"
"This evening.
Till then, please take rest in your chamber."
"Alright."
Prince Sushim returns to Princess Ratri's chamber. She is asleep.
He sits near her bed, watching her quietly, waiting for her to wake up.
After some time, when she wakes up and sees him so close, she gets startled.
"Prince Sushim, what happened!?"
"Sanjh, I wanted to talk to you about something important.
If you don't mind, may I say it?"
"Yes."
(He speaks nervously, hesitating)
"Sanjh… I…
I wanted to say this long ago."
"Say what?
Do you want my opinion on something?"
"No… not that…"
"Then what?"
"Let me speak!
I don't want to discuss… but…"
"But what?"
(His heart starts beating fast)
"Sanjh, I don't know if this is the right time or not, but today I must say this…
Sanjh, I like you…
I mean… I love you.
Do you… feel the same?"
"I'm sorry, Prince Sushim, but I have never thought about you in that way.
I do not love you."
Hearing this, tears fill Prince Sushim's eyes.
"It's alright, Sanjh.
These are my feelings—I just wanted to share them with you.
I don't expect a yes from you.
I love you, and that is enough for me.
Please don't misunderstand me.
You should rest. I will meet you later."
"Yes."
Saying this, he leaves in an emotional state.
Evening arrives.
Demon Nalish and the Demon Guru complete all preparations for the yajna.
Prince Sushim sits in his chamber, lost in thoughts about everything that happened.
Just then, a demon soldier arrives.
"Greetings, Prince Sushim."
"Yes, speak."
"Demon Nalish has sent a message that the yajna is about to begin. Please come to the yajna site immediately."
"Alright, you go. I will be there shortly."
"Yes, Prince Sushim."
Prince Sushim reaches the yajna site.
There is a large idol of Dhrutdev, and slightly behind it stands the idol of the Demon God, hidden so that Prince Sushim cannot see it.
This is done so that he unknowingly participates in the ritual, allowing Nalish to obtain the energy of the divine light and use it to gain demonic powers and rule the entire universe.
"Come, Prince Sushim.
Please sit."
"Yes."
The yajna begins.
Chants echo loudly. Offerings are made into the sacred fire.
After a short time, a radiant energy begins to emerge from Prince Sushim's body.
He feels intense pain.
But just as the energy is about to completely leave his body, suddenly someone appears and takes him away.
Demon Nalish and the Demon Guru are left utterly shocked by this incident.