Nala and Damayanti in the forest.

In his game with Pushkar, Nala lost all that he had. Pushkar suggested putting Damayanti at stake which angered Nala. Nala took off the valuables that he was wearing and walking away.
Pushkara then made a proclamation saying anyone providing help, support or shelter to Nala would be punished. He sent messengers to other kingdoms with the message that Nala was not to be provided shelter.

Nala was raoming around hungry and thirsty. He reached a river side and sat there. Unknown to him, Damayanti was following him. She soon caught up with him. Both were very hungry and thirsty. Soon, they spotted a flock of golden birds. Nala thought he would catch the birds and then make a meal out of them. He looked around and all he saw was the loincloth that he was wearing. He took that off and threw it at the birds. These were magical birds who flew off with the cloth. In the sky, the birds said Know me, I am Kali. With me is my friend Dwapara. We will torment you and trouble you. Leaving us Damayanti chose you and this is your punishment for that.  Saying this, the birds vanished.

Nala then said to Damayanti, See the roads in the forest. One part leads to Avanti and the other leads to Vidharba. Take the road to Vidharba. Go to your father's house.

Damayanti said You are in Exile. You have lost all that you had and now are naked, in the forest. If I am with you, I will be of help to you. Why do you want to get rid of me.
Nala said I do not want to see you unhappy.
Damayanti said Then let us both go to the land of Vidharbha. My father will be very happy to see you.
Nala said Your father is dear to me, but I can not go there naked and hungry. I had been there once in my regal attire and now with what face shall I face people?

Nala wrapped himself in Damayanti's garment. Damayanti, afraid that her husband may leave her, was happy that both were wrapped in the same cloth. They soon reached a place where weary travellers halted. Both Nala and Damayanti lay down. Damayanti went into a deep slumber. Nala was unable to sleep. Nala thought that if Damayanti was with him, she would have to suffer daily. If he left, she wouyld be then compelled to return to her father's house.

Nala tore a part of Damayanti's garment and wrapped it around himself. He then said a prayer to the Gods, asking them to take care of Damayanti.

He then walked into the deep forest. 

Pandavas leave

The Pandavas along with Draupadi discarded their royal robes and dressed as sages. Dushasana seeing this said to Draupadi - Your father gave you away to beggars. If you wish, I will take you over and treat you royally.
Bhima said Your death is close by which is why you say things like this. When I catch in the battlefield I will remind you of all your words. I will kill all the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra myself.
Arjuna said If there is a war after thirteen years, I will kill Karna. Rivers of blood will be formed from the blood of the Kauravas.
Sahadeva said to Shakuni - You cheated in the game of dice and brought about all evil. I pledge that I will put an end to you.

Yudhistira went to all the elders present in the court and took leave off all.

Vidura said Go to the forests and come back and claim what is yours. In the meanwhile, leave Kunti in my house. In her age, she should not be roaming around in the forests. Also never stay from the path of the righteous.

Draupadi also changed her clothes and got dressed in the garb of a sage's wife, leaving her hair loose.

Kunti fainted seeing her sons leaving for the forest.  Coming to her senses, she was horrified seeing the garb of Draupadi.

Draupadi said to Kunti - Please arise and do not grieve. Please permit me to go to the forests with my husbands.

Kunti said I had known things would happen this way, I would have lived all my life in the forests and never come to Hastinapura. Madri and Pandu were lucky that they did not have to see this. I had to live and see these days. How will I spend my days, not seeing my beloved Sahadeva.

Dhritarashtra wanted to know what was happening. Vidura said the Pandavas were leaving, with their heads bent down. Draupadi walks behind all. Dhumya, their priest goes with them.

Narada then arrived there. He said, With the help of Krishna, fourteen years from now, your dynasty will be gone. Pandavas will come back and they will rule.

Scared on hearing this, Duryodhana and Karna went to Drona and asked him for advise. Drona said I am bound by duty to serve you and I will serve you, even though I am aware that the Pandavas will win, if there is a war. I see my death too, in the hands of Dhristadyumna. You have hurt Draupadi, who is a beloved of Krishna, and that will never be forgiven. There is no escape. All will die in the hands of Bhima and Arjuna.

Dhritarashtra said to Vidura - Please go and get the Pandavas back. If they refuse to come back, then please have them take wealth and chariots with them, in their exile.

Sanjaya said - When all tried to talk to you, O king, you did not listen. Your daughter in law was dragged into the court, by pulling her hair. You have brought about the downfall.

Dhritarashtra could do nothing but lament.

Thus ends Sabha Parva.