Karan came up with a detailed plan to infiltrate the palace of the Ghost Princess, known as "Rajmahal." It was where the Ghost Princess, Nandini, resided.

 

Karan started, "Before we enter the palace, you need to understand the basics of this realm. It’s... different from what you might expect."

 

Raghav, looking slightly lost, nodded. "I was about to ask you. And if you know anything about the woman they’re referring to as the Ghost Princess, Nandini, please tell me."

 

Karan sighed. "From what I’ve gathered, the ghostly royals manage life after death. Rajmahal, for instance, is in charge of wandering souls, and not all ghosts are bad here, like you’ve seen. The Ghost Princess, Nandini, is one of the daughters of Maharaj Virendra, one of the four ghost kings who control this world. They’re immensely powerful. Trust me, they’re not like the normal wandering souls."

 

Raghav nodded thoughtfully. "I sensed something different about her the moment I saw her. I never mentioned this, but I've been able to see ghosts since I was a kid. At first, I thought they were just people like us. As I got older, I realized no one else could see them. I saw ghosts touching humans, sometimes even sitting above them. Ignoring them was hard, and whenever I accidentally reacted, they would follow me. And then... the nightmares began."

 

Karan raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever tried to learn more about your own origins? It might help explain why you have this ability. I think Nandini has some connection to you, or why else would she take Sakshi? She could have something she needs from you."

 

Raghav looked away, his expression darkening. "That’s not the only thing bothering me. After I entered this realm, the door I came through disappeared. We’ll have to find another portal that connects this world to ours."

 

Karan leaned back, thoughtful. "I’ve been wondering about that too. I’ve got a plan to enter Rajmahal, but I’m not sure how we’ll sneak Sakshi out unnoticed. If Nandini orders her soldiers to capture us, we’ll be outnumbered. We could anger them, and the consequences could be fatal."

 

Raghav grimaced but nodded. "You’re right, but we won’t know exactly what’s happening inside until we see for ourselves. We can’t waste time second-guessing. We have to act."

 

Karan grinned. "That’s what I like to hear. So, here’s the plan. Tonight is the second night of the Ghost Festival, but the final night is when all the Ghost Kings, including Maharaj Virendra, will arrive at Rajmahal. The palace will be bustling. We’ll blend in during the chaos, use it as an opportunity to get inside, and my ghost friend, Aakash, who works as a guard, will help us sneak in."

 

Raghav was impressed by how resourceful Karan was. "You’ve made quite a few friends here, huh? I’m amazed none of them have figured out you’re human. Or maybe they have, and they’re just playing along."

 

Karan smirked, then stood up and pulled out a large, bulging bag from under his bed. "Take a look at this."

 

Raghav eyed the bag curiously. "What’s all that?"

 

Karan grinned. "This, my friend, is my emergency kit. It’s got everything we need for a mission like this. Supplies, potions, disguises, snacks—never underestimate the importance of snacks."

 

Raghav couldn’t help but crack a smile. "Snacks, huh? Didn’t think you’d pack those for a mission in the ghost realm."

 

Karan laughed, pulling out a packet of biscuits. "Hey, a man’s gotta eat. You’ll thank me when we’re stuck somewhere with no food."

 

As Karan prepared a meal, Raghav stood at the window, gazing into the night, lost in his thoughts about Sakshi. The weight of her absence pressed heavily on him.

 

Sensing the somber mood, Karan decided to lighten things up. He suddenly grabbed two wooden spoons and started banging them together, dancing awkwardly around the small room.

 

Raghav blinked, then burst out laughing. "What... What are you doing?"

 

Karan kept dancing, completely off-beat. "C’mon, man, lighten up! We’re infiltrating a ghost palace. We might as well have some fun before we potentially get caught and thrown into a ghostly dungeon!"

 

Raghav couldn’t stop laughing. "You’re insane!"

 

Karan grinned, tossing Raghav one of the spoons. "Join the madness, my friend! We’re in this together now!"

 

Despite himself, Raghav took the spoon and joined in, their ridiculous dance filling the room with laughter for a few precious moments. It was a brief escape from the tension that had been hanging over them, and for the first time since arriving in this strange realm, Raghav felt a bit of his old self return.

 

Meanwhile, at Rajmahal, preparations were underway for the grand arrival of the Ghost Kings. The palace was alive with activity as servants scurried about, ensuring everything was perfect for the upcoming royal gathering.

 

Back in Karan’s small house, the mood had shifted. Karan looked at Raghav with a serious expression. "Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow, we begin."

 

Raghav nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Tomorrow, we rescue Sakshi."