Nala Enters Rituparna's Service as Bahuka
After the serpent disappears, Nala arrives at the city of King Rituparna, hungry and exhausted. He presents himself before the king under a false name, offering his skills in horse-driving and cooking — and asks to be maintained. Rituparna, whose mind is always drawn to speed, appoints him superintendent of the royal stables.
The serpent disappeared, and Nala was alone again. He had been transformed — his body twisted, his face altered — but he was still the king of Nishadha, still carrying the weight of what he had done to Damayanti. He walked toward Rituparna's city and entered it on the tenth day.
He went before the king and spoke these words: "I am Bahuka. I am skilled in driving horses and there is no one on earth who is my equal. I am skilled and can be asked about all difficulties connected with artha (worldly affairs). I also know the art of cooking and especially on this, there is no one better than I am. If there is anything in this world connected with artisanship or any other difficult matter, I will seek to accomplish them all. O Rituparna! Therefore, maintain me."
Rituparna looked at the man before him — a stranger with the bearing of someone who had known better days. He did not ask where Bahuka had come from or why he was alone. He simply answered: "O Bahuka! O blessed one! Reside with me. You will do all this. My mind has always been particularly attracted to the question of speed. Devise some means of yoking so that my horses travel fast. Be the superintendent of my stables and your salary will be a hundred thousand. Varshneya and Jivala will always follow your instructions. O Bahuka! Spend your days happily with them and reside with me."
Nala accepted. He had found shelter, employment, and a new name. But the disguise was only skin-deep. Inside, he was still the man who had abandoned his wife in the forest. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 361