When Bahram Gur settled into marital life with Sapinud, the daughter of King Shangal, the divine splendor of his true majesty became undeniable to her. Struck by profound love, she gazed upon his heroic countenance, weeping with devotion day and night. Seeing the deep affection binding the couple, King Shangal cast away all lurking suspicions and embraced Barzuy with complete trust.
One quiet day, Bahram sat beside Sapinud and opened his heart, revealing the secret he had kept hidden beneath his disguise. He confessed that he was the Sovereign of Iran, aided by the Almighty Creator, and that a realm of unmatched glory awaited them across the sea. Sapinud pledged her absolute allegiance, declaring that a wife's highest virtue lies in keeping her husband joyous, and vowed to follow him even unto death. She then devised a flawless stratagem: every year, King Shangal led his forces to a sacred forest twenty leagues from Kannauj for a holy idol-feast and wild ass hunt. She advised Bahram to wait until the royal host departed, then ride forth under the pretense of hunting.
Bahram's heart gladdened at her sharp mind, and he spent the night in restless anticipation. As dawn unfurled its golden banners across the sky, Bahram mounted his steed in hunting attire, accompanied by his loyal Iranian retainers. Approaching the seashore, he encountered a caravan of Iranian merchants. Biting his lip to silence them before they could bow in royal homage, Bahram bound the merchants with a formidable oath, warning that if his presence were betrayed to the Indian court, the soil of Iran would turn into a sea of blood. Moved to tears by their king's plight, the merchants swore absolute secrecy, offering their lives for his safety.
Meanwhile, as Shangal prepared to march to the sacred forest, Sapinud informed her mother that Barzuy had fallen gravely ill and could not endure the journey. Shangal accepted the excuse with compassion and departed with his army. Under the cover of pitch-black night, Bahram placed Sapinud upon his horse, chanted holy verses, girt his mace and lasso, and galloped to the coast. Launching boats into the dark waters, he rowed his bride and faithful companions across the sea. As the first rays of morning pierced the horizon, the sun-like hero stepped safely onto dry land, setting his sights firmly toward the kingdom of Iran.