• Exploring around a little...

Arya, Gauri, and Isha stood in the castle's entrance hall, waiting for Veda and Jai. When only Jai arrived, he explained, "Veda's already in the library. He was too eager to get his hands on that ancient book. Told us to go on ahead."

Gauri sighed, about to make a comment, but Isha cut her off. "Follow me," she declared, striding forward with newfound confidence. She seemed to relish the role of leader, pointing dramatically. "Turn right here!"

Gauri, trailing behind, couldn't resist a playful jab. "The correct way is left, Isha. You know, you could also look at the map. No need to strain that little brain of yours."

Isha stuck her tongue out in response, but it was Gauri who ultimately guided them, leading them with an easy familiarity. She took them through the main hall, the very spot where Isha had fallen the previous evening, and then onward, past the dining room. The dining table was enormous, easily capable of seating twenty or thirty people.

Finally, they reached the kitchen. It was a strange mix of old and new. The furnishings, the windows, and the cabinets were all crafted from dark, aged wood, giving it an ancient feel. Yet, modern appliances like a mixer, juicer, toaster, and microwave stood on the counters, a clear attempt to ensure modern comforts within the castle's historic walls.

"This place gives me the creeps," Jai muttered, a shiver running down his spine. "It's almost suffocating."

Isha nodded in agreement. "It's like...there are auras here. A feeling. Like someone is watching us. Keeping a close eye."

"There's nothing like that," Arya scoffed, trying to sound braver than he perhaps felt. "It's just the atmosphere playing tricks on your minds. You're both being paranoid."

Gauri, who had been silent, stood by the kitchen window, her gaze fixed on the vibrant flowers blooming in the overgrown garden outside. She gently placed a hand on the cool glass, a small, wistful smile touching her lips. Turning back to the others, her expression was serene. "Nothing's going to happen. Just take a deep breath in," she inhaled slowly, "and out." She exhaled, her eyes meeting theirs. "Everything will be fine."

She then shared a memory, her voice soft. "I came here once before, with my father. I was just a kid, maybe eight years old. Even back then, room 1304 was… notorious. But it was open then. My father always told me to stay away from touching any of the antique things in this castle. I never really understood why people fixate on that one room. There are so many other parts of the castle that are forbidden, locked away."

Isha's eyes lit up, her earlier apprehension seemingly forgotten. "So, we could inspect room 1304 first, right?"

Arya and Jai exchanged a look of utter disbelief. Jai's eyebrows shot up towards his hairline, while Arya shook his head slowly. "This girl," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Gauri to hear, "is going to get us killed someday, I swear."

Gauri's unexpected agreement hung in the air, eliciting surprised glances from Arya and Jai. Despite Isha's eagerness to confront the notorious room 1304, Gauri maintained a more cautious approach. "Yes, Isha," she said, "we will get to room 1304 eventually. But first, I want to show you some of the other significant parts of the castle."

She led them towards a grand archway opposite the kitchen, revealing a spacious area that had clearly once served as a royal court. The atmosphere here was different, more formal and steeped in history.

Everything seemed frozen in time, arranged as it might have been centuries ago. Ornate armchairs, presumably for the ministers, lined the sides of the room, their velvet cushions still plump. At the far end, a raised platform commanded attention. Upon it sat a magnificent throne, crafted from gleaming gold, its red cushioned seat and backrest exuding regal splendor. On the throne rested a puffed-up cushion of red silk, and atop it, a crown shimmered in the dim light filtering through the high windows.

As they gazed at the scene, Gauri explained, her voice hushed with reverence, "This was the king's court. Here, he would meet with his ministers, discuss matters of the kingdom, and deliver judgments. Imagine the history held within these walls, the decisions that were made here."

Her tone turned serious as she continued, "It's important that we respect this space. Please, no one step onto the platform with their shoes on, and absolutely do not touch the crown, the throne, or the king's sword if we happen to find it. It's like…defiling his memory, challenging his authority."

Gauri then carefully removed her own shoes and stepped onto the platform. She slowly picked up the red cushion, the weight surprisingly substantial, and with it, lifted the crown, taking care not to directly touch the ancient metal. "It weighs around five kilograms," she informed them, her voice a little strained.

Isha, who had been diligently documenting their exploration with her phone, snapped a quick picture of Gauri holding the cushion and the crown. A low grumble from Arya prompted her to silently switch off her camera. Gauri gently placed the crown and cushion back on the throne, stepped down from the platform, and slipped her shoes back on. The weight of history in that small act was palpable.