Petros was so surprised someone acknowledged his ranting. Usually people ignored his ramblings. This man, Virji, went on to talk further."Hello, I am Virji, and I am from Nishadha. My king is a scandalous man. His selfish antics have caused incredible strife to my entire country. I have had to start travelling farther and farther away from home to make up for the loss in sales that his actions have caused. I blame him every day for the years I am forced to spend away from my family."

Petros became scared that he was looking at his future. He replied, "Sit down, and tell me your story. I can get you a drink."

Virji's story started about fifteen years before when he was a young man. He had just gotten into the family business of trade and traveled frequently to other regions like different Indian kingdoms and north towards China. Business was plentiful because his kingdom had the power to support him.

His king, Nala, was new on the job. He had taken the throne after the passing of his father. He quickly took on the responsibilities of king. First he had fallen in love with a beautiful woman, Damayanti, and won her honorably. Then, he had conquered many surrounding kingdoms, expanding his citizens' outreach and influence. During this time, it was great live under his rule. Virji was able to take less trips and spend more time at home. He could be more of a father figure in his children's lives and a more present husband. Virji wished he could go back to this time of prosperity.

However, this time of peace was short-lived. Nala's brother, Kuvara, was jealous of the joy his brother was experiencing and took advantage of his greatest weakness--gambling. Nala ended up betting and losing his kingdom in a match with his brother. Then, he abandoned Damayanti alone in the forest without any explanation.

This act of selfishness disgusted Virji. He was a family man who valued his family over everything. He loved his wife and their three children more than anything and couldn't imagine what kind of man could do such a despicable act. Virji once loved his king, but from that day on, he would never trust him again.

Not to mention, after losing Nala, his kingdom lost its influence and power rapidly. The security in trading and traveling Virji once enjoyed was now gone. Also, because of the new state of war his country entered into, the economy plummeted and he had to travel farther and farther to support his family. He tried to return as often as he could to hear about the state of his kingdom and to visit his family. Each time, hoping that the news he would hear would about the state of his nation and the actions of his ruling family would improve.

Twelve years later, his king reappeared at Damayanti's second wedding to a nearby king Rituparna. She was in the process of getting married again and her missing husband appeared. He was rumored by many to be in the form of a dwarf, and he escaped his small shape by using an ornament give to him after he abandoned Damayanti to return to his original form after he crashed the wedding. Virji was suspicious that Damayanti recognized him in his changed state. Dwarfs look nothing like humans.

Also, Damayanti was faithful for twelve years until it seemed certain her husband was dead, and she was ready to remarry. Nala abandoned and dishonored Damayanti, but still she took the high road. He had the utmost respect for his Queen but thought she deserved better than Nala.

Petros and Virji saw the similarities in each others stories. Immediately, they began comparing and sharing stories of their experiences.