Karkotaka

Transformed and unrecognizable, Nala receives a clear plan from Karkotaka: go to King Rituparna in Ayodhya as the suta Bahuka, exchange his skill with horses for Rituparna's skill with dice, and use that skill to reclaim his kingdom, his wife, and his children.

Nala, having rescued Karkotaka, wishes to release the serpent — but Karkotaka tells him to walk and count his steps. At the tenth step, the serpent bites him, and Nala's form instantly transforms into something hideous while the serpent takes his shape.

Wandering alone after abandoning Damayanti, King Nala hears a voice crying for help from within a great forest fire. He enters the flames and finds the serpent king Karkotaka trapped by a curse — unable to move, waiting for rescue.

Nala has just learned the secret of dice from King Rituparna. The knowledge breaks the demon Kali's hold over him — and Kali emerges from Nala's body, vomiting the serpent venom that had tormented him for years. Nala, furious, prepares to curse the demon who ruined his life.