Several peaceful days passed beside the lake. Chitranga had now become one among the friends, and life settled into its familiar rhythm. At daybreak Laghupatanaka flew across the forest in search of food, Hiranyaka remained near his burrow, Mandharaka stayed by the water's edge, and Chitranga wandered through the nearby meadows where the grass was fresh. By sunset they would all gather beneath the same broad tree, speaking of what each had seen before returning to their resting places. It was a simple life, but one that each of them had come to cherish.

One evening, however, Chitranga did not return. The sun disappeared behind the western hills, and darkness slowly spread through the forest, yet there was still no sign of the deer. Mandharaka watched the forest path with growing concern. 

"This is unlike Chitranga," he said. "He has never remained away until this hour." Hiranyaka agreed. "He is careful by nature. If he has not returned, there must be a reason." Laghupatanaka wasted no time. "Waiting will not help us," he said. "I shall search for him." Rising high into the air, he circled above the forest, looking over the open meadows, woodland paths, and clearings where hunters were known to pass. 

After searching for some time, he came upon a clearing where a hunter's net lay spread beneath a tree. There, unable to free himself, was Chitranga. The moment he saw the crow, the deer said, "I have been caught in the hunter's net." Laghupatanaka looked carefully around the clearing. The hunter had not yet returned. "Remain as you are," he said. "I shall bring Hiranyaka without delay." With that he turned and flew swiftly back to the lake.

The crow's hurried return told his friends that he had found the missing deer. Before anyone could ask another question, he said, "Chitranga is alive, but he is caught in a hunter's net." Hiranyaka stepped forward at once. "Take me there." Mandharaka also began making his way towards the forest. Laghupatanaka said, "We shall reach him much sooner." The tortoise replied only, "Even so, I shall come." Without another word, Hiranyaka climbed onto the crow's back, and the two hastened to the clearing while Mandharaka followed as quickly as his slow feet would allow.

As soon as they reached the net, Hiranyaka began gnawing through the cords. One strand parted, then another, and slowly the net loosened around the deer. Chitranga remained still while his friend worked, for any sudden movement would only make the task more difficult. Laghupatanaka perched upon a branch above them, keeping watch over every path that led into the clearing. 

The work was almost finished when the crow suddenly called out, "The hunter is coming!" Hiranyaka did not stop. He continued biting through the remaining cords while the sound of approaching footsteps grew nearer. Only a few strands now held the net together, and Chitranga waited quietly for the final cord to be cut.

Laghupatanaka searched without delay, Hiranyaka worked without hesitation, Mandharaka came without turning back, and Chitranga waited with patience until the right moment. Each friend did only his own part, yet together they accomplished what none of them could have done alone.