Karan and Raghav set out on their mission to find Sakshi, their first stop being the heart of the bustling Ghost Realm. Karan, knowing that Raghav stood out too much, bought him some new clothes to blend in. They then made their way to the dazzling Rose Capital, a city alive with the movement of spirits.

Raghav looked around in awe. “Where are we?”

Karan smirked. “Welcome to the Rose Capital.”

They entered a large, glamorous establishment, where beautiful ghostly women invited patrons inside. Raghav whispered under his breath, “Why are we going into a brothel?”

Before Karan could respond, a sultry voice called out, “Karan, darling, you haven’t visited me in ages. I missed you.” A ghostly woman with an alluring aura, Lady Maya, approached them with a teasing smile.

Karan responded with his usual charm, “I missed you too, Lady Maya, but I've been busy with work.”

Maya’s eyes shifted to Raghav, her smile widening. “And who is this handsome fresh-faced man you’ve brought with you? He doesn’t look like a ghost... so full of life.”

Raghav took a step back, glaring at Karan in disapproval. He whispered harshly, “Why did you bring me to a place like this?”

Karan shrugged with a grin. “Relax, Lady Maya, this is my friend. He’s from far away, here to enjoy the festival.”

Maya’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Then make yourselves comfortable. I’ll bring some of my most beautiful dancers for you.”

Karan nodded. “You know me well, Maya.”

As Maya left, Raghav shot Karan a sharp look. “You’ve been living quite the life these past six months, haven’t you?”

Karan chuckled. “Brothels are the best place to gather information. All the officials from the Ghost Princess’s palace come here. Lady Maya is a very influential figure in this city.”

Raghav, still skeptical, muttered, “Is that so?”

Soon, the dancers began their performance. Their elegant movements captivated the audience, even Raghav found himself momentarily entranced. *These ghosts are nothing like the ones I saw as a child… They’re so different. Why haven’t they moved on to their next life?*

Karan noticed Raghav’s distant expression and nudged him. “So, what’s the story behind that sword you’re carrying?”

Raghav glanced at the weapon by his side. “An old man gave it to me. He said it was left behind by some god a long time ago, and that it would protect me.”

Before they could discuss it further, a group of soldiers barged in, their loud voices cutting through the lively atmosphere. They were palace guards, and their words sent a shiver down Raghav’s spine.

“Why did the Princess bring that human to the palace?” one of the soldiers growled. “She even gave her a room and food. What’s she planning?”

Another guard sneered, “Maybe she’s saving her for a feast later.”

Raghav clenched his fists in rage, but Karan quickly grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down. “Not here, not now.”

Through their conversation, they overheard the location where Sakshi was being held. Raghav’s heart raced as they began planning their infiltration of the palace.

After leaving the brothel, the two returned to Karan’s small house near the capital. Raghav paced nervously, his mind racing with possibilities.

“Karan, I know this is dangerous, but I have to ask... Please help me rescue Sakshi. I swear I’ll repay you one day.”

Karan smiled warmly. “I was already planning to help you, my friend. I’ve lost my friends, and I’m not about to lose someone else.”

Raghav, filled with gratitude, grasped Karan’s shoulder. “Thank you, truly. I won’t forget this.”

Karan patted his back. “Let’s just focus on getting your girl back.”