The following day, the entire village convened at the castle to celebrate King Chathrabuthi's birthday. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, a mesmerizing display of dance unfolded, captivating the audience, including the king himself.
Enraptured by the graceful movements of Padma, widely renowned as one of the world's most exquisite beauties, the king approached her with a proposal of marriage. However, Padma gracefully declined, expressing her aversion to formal commitments and instead suggesting a discreet liaison. Undeterred, the king extended an invitation for her to join him in his chambers.
As murmurs of pleasure emanated from the king's quarters, Mahendran, attuned to the sounds, ventured forth to investigate. Meanwhile, Shakuntala, route to her father's chambers, found her path obstructed by Mahendran, who, in a bid to shield her from the unfolding scene, bestowed upon her a kiss, momentarily distracting her.
Mahendran, fiercely loyal to the queen, relayed the unsettling discovery to her, inciting her wrath and a fervent call for justice. Determined to exact retribution, Mahendran pursued Padma with a raised sword, poised to strike. However, before he could deliver the fatal blow, an enigmatic woman intervened with a resounding outcry.