Bhurivasu feared to give offence to the king by refusing the match.
Devarata and Bhurivasu were fellow students. In their academical days
they pledged themselves that they should enter into matrimonial
alliance, if they happen to have children. Malati and Madhava did not
know anything about their fathers' promises. There lived in Padmavati,
Kamandaki, an old Buddhist priestess who was nurse of Malati. The
priestess knew everything about the matrimonial promise. She was a very
intelligent lady and was respected by all. The two friends concert a
plan with the priestess to throw the young people in each other's way
and to connive at a secret marriage. In pursuance of this scheme,
Madhava is sent to finish his studies at the city of Padmavati with the
ostensible object of studying Logic under the care of the priestess, who
takes great care of her pupil and endeavours her utmost to fulfil the
promise of her two friends. By her contrivance and with the aid of
Malati's foster-sister Lavangika, the young people meet and become
mutually enamoured.

Kamandaki addresses her favourite disciple Avalokita thus:--

"Dear Avalokita! Oh how I wish for the marital union of Madhava, the son
of Devarata, and Malati, the daughter of Bhurivasu! Auspicious signs
forerun a happy fate. Even now my throbbing eyeball tells that
propitious destiny shall crown my schemes."

Avalokita replies:--

"Oh, here is a serious cause of anxiety. How strange! You are already
burdened with the austerities of devotional exercises, Bhurivasu has
commissioned you to perform this arduous task. Though retired from the
world, you could not avoid this business."