Baviya: "Macha, look! This is it. This is the place from the listing!"

Monika: "Whoa... Baviya, it’s huge. It looks exactly like those old movies. Are you sure about this? It looks way too grand to be 'free' for employees."

Baviya: "Stop overthinking! We just finished our MCA, we’ve got these new jobs, and we need to save every rupee. Plus, look at that Kerala architecture. It's beautiful!"

(An old grandmother walking nearby stops and stares at them, her voice trembling.)

Grandma: "Daughters... stop. Do not step across that threshold. This place... it is haunted. The soul of this house is not at peace."

Monika: (Flinching) "Oh! Uh, hello, Grandma. Haunted? What do you mean?"

Baviya: (Leaning in, grinning) "Macha, don't listen to her. Grandma, we love horror movies! We’ve seen them all. Why should we be scared? We’re going to stay here and enjoy the palace life!"

Monika: (Nervously) "Yeah... Grandma, please don't worry. We are just poor students from Bangalore starting our first jobs. We need a place to stay to be happy and save up. We'll be fine."

Grandma: (Sighing) "Happiness is a dream in a house that remembers too much. If you hear the sound of anklets... do not follow them."

Baviya: (Laughing) "Anklets? Maybe it’s just the wind, Grandma! Come on, Monika, let's get our bags. I want to see the view from that top balcony!"

Monika: "Wait for me! And Baviya... if I hear anything that sounds like 'Nagavalli,' we are leaving, okay?"

Baviya: "Deal! Now let’s go explore our new home!"

(They push the heavy doors open. A cloud of thick, grey dust explodes into the air, making them both cough violently.)

Monika: (Waving her hand in front of her face) "Ugh! Baviya, it’s disgusting in here! Look at the floor... you can’t even see the wood under all this dust. It’s so uncomfortable."

Baviya: (Rubbing her nose) "Achoo! God, you’re right. How are we even going to clean this? It’s a palace, not a 1BHK in Marathahalli! We’ll need a month just to find the floor."

Monika: (Looking around nervously) "I don't know if I can sleep here tonight with all this—"

(Suddenly, a massive, dark lizard—the size of a small crocodile—scuttles across the wall right next to Monika's head.)

Monika: "AHHH! BAVIYA! LOOK!"

Baviya: (Jumping back, nearly falling over their suitcases) "OH MY GOD! What is that?! Is that a lizard or a dinosaur?!"

Monika: (Backing away toward the door) "Macha, come! Let’s go out! Right now!"

Baviya: (Scrambling out behind her) "I’m right behind you! I can’t do lizards, Monika. Anything but that!"

Monika: (Standing outside in the yard, breathless) "Seriously! I told that grandma I'm fine if I see a ghost, but why this big lizard? I’d rather face Nagavalli than that thing!"

Baviya: (Shivering) "Me too! My heart is literally racing. Someone has to clean this mess and get rid of those monsters first. We can't go inside like this."

Monika: "Yeah... we need to find some help. But who would even come into a 'haunted' house to clean?"

Baviya: "Okay, seriously, Monika. We are staying in a palace, not a zoo. We need a professional deep cleaning crew, and we need them now."

Monika: "Exactly! I don't care about ghosts, but I’m not sharing a room with a lizard that looks like it could eat my suitcase. Let’s head into the village and see if we can find anyone."

(They walk down the dusty lane until they reach a small cluster of shops. A group of local men are sitting on a stone bench under a massive Banyan tree.)

Baviya: "Excuse me! Hi... do you know anyone who can help us clean the Alummoottil Meda? We just moved in for our new jobs."

(The men stop talking instantly. They look at each other, then back at the girls with wide eyes.)

Shopkeeper: "You... you want to clean the Meda? Children, that house has been empty for a long time. People here don't even like to walk past those gates after sunset."

Monika: "We know, we heard the stories from a grandma. But we're just poor students, and we really need a place to stay. It's just too much dust... and, well, huge lizards."

Shopkeeper: (Shaking his head) "It’s not just the dust you should worry about. The Alummoottil family was very powerful once, but after the tragedy in 1921, the prosperity vanished. The history of that house is soaked in secrets." Wikipedia +2

Baviya: "Sir, we really just need help. Is there anyone brave enough? We'll pay!"

Shopkeeper: (Hesitating) "Well... there is one crew, BK Clear Touch, they do deep cleaning in the area. And there's another team called Clean Kerala in nearby Thiruvalla. But I warn you... they might work fast to get out before dark."

Monika: (To Baviya) "See? Professionals! Macha, let's call them. If they can handle a hospital, they can handle our 'haunted' palace."

Baviya: "Deal. But let's tell them to bring extra-strong lizard repellent. And maybe some incense... you know, just for the 'vibes'.

(They call the cleaning crew and head back toward the palace gates, waiting in the fading afternoon light.)

Monika: "The shopkeeper looked like he’d seen a ghost just because we mentioned the name. Do you think that 1921 tragedy he talked about is why the grandma was so scared?"

Baviya: "Macha, it's just village talk. Every old house in Kerala has a 'tragedy' to make it sound cool for tourists. Once those cleaners get the dust and those dinosaurs I mean, lizards out, it’ll be a five-star stay for free!"

Monika: "I hope so. But did you see the way the shopkeeper said they’d 'work fast to get out before dark'? Even the pros are scared of this place."

Baviya: "They just want to get to the toddy shop early, trust me. Oh, look! There’s the van!"

(A white van pulls up, and three men get out. They look at the palace and then at each other, looking very uneasy. The lead cleaner, Rajan, walks up to them.)

Rajan: "You are the ones who called? You want us to go... inside there? Today?"

Monika: "Yes, please! We have our bags and everything. We just need the main hall and one bedroom cleaned so we can sleep tonight."

Rajan: (Wiping sweat from his forehead) "We will work until the sun touches the trees. After that, we leave. No matter how much you pay. Understood?"

Baviya: (Whispering to Monika) "See? Dramatic. Okay, Rajan, deal. Just start with the lizards, please!"

(As the cleaners enter with their mops and buckets, the sound of their footsteps echoes loudly through the empty halls. Suddenly, from deep within the house, a faint, rhythmic sound starts... clink, clink, clink... like metal hitting stone.)

Monika: (Freezing) "Baviya... did you hear that? It sounds like... anklets."

Baviya: (Gulping) "It’s... it’s probably just Rajan dropping a bucket. Right? Yeah. A bucket. Let’s go inside and watch them work."

Monika: (Laughing nervously) "Hey, Baviya, sorry! I totally made you scared. It’s just my imagination playing tricks because of what that Grandma said. There are no anklets!"

Baviya: "Macha, don't do that! My heart almost stopped. Let’s just focus on the cleaning."

Rajan (Lead Cleaner): "Wait, you girls haven't had lunch yet, have you?"

Monika & Baviya: (In unison) "No, sir. We came straight here."

Rajan: "Look, to deep clean this palace and get all this dust out, it will take at least 3 hours. Go find a small hotel in the village and have some food. I’ll call you the moment we are finished."

Baviya: "Can we just wait inside? Maybe in the courtyard?"

Rajan: "You can stay if you want, but the dust will be everywhere once we start the machines."

Monika: "No way! We are both still terrified of those big, big lizards. If one jumps on us while you're cleaning, we’ll die! We're going out. You have Baviya’s number, right? Just call us when the monsters—I mean, the lizards and the dust are gone."

Rajan: (Nodding solemnly) "Go. Enjoy your lunch. We will call you. But remember... try to be back before the sun goes down completely."

Baviya: "Don't worry, Rajan! We’ll be back soon. Let's go, Monika, I'm starving!"

(They are sitting in a small, rustic Kerala restaurant, plates piled high with steaming fish curry and rice. Baviya is holding her phone up, moving it around for a cinematic reel.)

Baviya: "Macha, look at this light! The followers are going to love this. 'New City, New Jobs, New Palace!' Tagging you now."

Monika: (Laughing) "You and your reels! But the food is amazing. I’m finally starting to feel happy. No lizards here!"

(Monika’s phone starts buzzing. The screen shows 'Amma'.)

Monika: "Oh, it's Mom. Let me take this.""Hello, Amma? Yes, we reached safely."

Mom: "Monika! How is Kerala? Did you and Baviya find a good PG? Make sure the doors have proper locks!"

Monika: "Amma, relax! We actually found something better than a PG. It’s a huge, beautiful old palace. And the best part? The stay is free! We only have to pay the electricity and water bills."

Mom: (Voice rising in shock) "Free? Are you kidding me, Monika? Since when is anything 'free' in this world, especially a palace?"

Monika: "No, Ma, it’s true! It was empty for a long time, so they told us we could stay there since we are working nearby. We’re thinking instead of wasting thousands on a cramped PG, we can live like queens here!"

Mom: (Sounding panicked) "Monika, listen to me. An old palace, empty and free... that doesn't sound safe. My heart is uneasy. Please, go find a regular PG. I will send you the extra money myself, don't worry about the cost!"

Monika: "Ma, don't worry! We are already getting it cleaned. There are professional cleaners inside right now. It’ll be fine, I’m wearing my lucky chudidar today anyway!"

Mom: (Sighing) "You always listen to Baviya’s adventurous ideas. Fine... but stay safe, both of you. Call me the moment those cleaners leave. I am very worried about you."

Monika: "I will, Amma. Love you, bye!"

(She hangs up and looks at Baviya, who is still editing her video.)

Monika: "My mom is totally freaked out. She wants us to move to a PG."

Baviya: "Typical moms! Once she sees the photos of us on that grand staircase, she’ll change her mind. Come on, finish your lunch. Rajan should be calling any minute now."...send comic image

getting anklet sound again and again please stay here until you enjoy then you leave if you haunted thing...baviya says dont worry wait im coming now how much is the cleaning price 10,000 ok me and monika coming

(Baviya’s phone rings. She puts it on speaker so Monika can hear while they finish their tea.)

Baviya: "Hello, Rajan? Is it done? Can we come back?"

Rajan: (Voice trembling and low) "Madam... cleaning is done. Everything is shining, and the dust is gone. But... I am very scared for you girls. While we were mopping the inner courtyard, I kept hearing it. The clink-clink of anklets. Over and over, following us from room to room."

Monika: (Freezing with her tea cup halfway to her mouth) "Not the anklets again..."

Rajan: "Madam, please... stay there tonight if you must, but the moment you feel something is wrong, just leave. Don't try to be brave. This house... it doesn't want visitors."

Baviya: (Trying to sound tough) "Aiyyo Rajan, don't worry! It’s probably just the wind in the old pipes. We’re coming now. How much do we owe you for the deep clean?"

Rajan: "It is a big palace, madam. For the whole team and the chemicals, it is 10,000 rupees."

Baviya: "Okay, 10,000 is fine. Me and Monika are coming right now with the cash. Just wait for us at the gate!"

(They pay the restaurant bill and quickly walk back. As they approach the palace, the sun is just starting to dip below the horizon, turning the sky a deep, blood-red color. The palace looks beautiful but strangely lonely.)

Monika: "Baviya, 10,000 is a lot of money, but if it means no lizards, I guess it’s worth it. But did you hear his voice? He sounded like he wanted to run away."

Baviya: "He’s just a villager, Monika. They grew up on these ghost stories. We are MCA graduates! We believe in logic, not 'anklet sounds'."

(They reach the gate. Rajan and his team are standing outside the van, looking toward the top floor of the palace. They aren't looking at the girls; they are looking at a window where the curtain just moved... even though there is no wind.)

(Baviya hands the 10,000 rupees to Rajan. He takes the money quickly, nods once without making eye contact, and the cleaning van speeds away as if they were escaping a fire.)

Baviya: "Finally! Look at that floor, Monika—it’s actually shining. No dust, no dinosaurs. Now we can finally feel like the queens of this palace."

Monika: (Sighing, looking at her phone) "I hope so. I’m still thinking about what Amma said. She sounded so genuinely worried. Maybe I should have just told her we found a regular room in the city..."

(As they step across the threshold into the grand hallway, the air suddenly feels five degrees colder. Baviya stops dead in her tracks. A soft, feminine voice almost like a musical whisper drifts through the air: "Ullo va..." (Come inside...))

Baviya: (Gasping, clutching Monika’s arm) "Macha! Did you hear that? Someone just said 'Ullo va'!"

Monika: (Looking around the empty hall) "What? Who said what? I didn't hear anything, Baviya. I was just thinking about my mom’s warning. You’re just letting Rajan’s stories get into your head."

Baviya: "No, Monika! It was clear! A woman's voice... it sounded like it came from the top of the stairs. It said 'Come inside' in such a creepy way."

Monika: "Hey, don't start this now. You were the one telling me not to be scared earlier! It’s just the echo of our own footsteps or the wind. Come on, don't get scared now that we’ve paid 10,000 bucks. Let's go to the bedroom and settle in."

Baviya: (Looking nervously up at the dark wooden staircase) "I’m telling you, I heard it... but okay. Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm just tired from the journey."

(They walk toward the main bedroom the cleaners prepared. As Monika turns her back to close the door, Baviya sees a reflection in the dusty mirror on the wall: a shadow of a woman in a traditional Kerala dress standing right behind Monika, but when she blinks, it’s gone.)

Baviya: (Staring up at the dark wooden steps) "Macha, I’m serious. I need to know where that voice came from. It sounded so real, like someone was inviting us upstairs."

Monika: (Sighing while pulling her nighty and books out of her bag) "Hey, Baviya! Where are you going? We have so much work to do here. We have to arrange everything and keep the room in order before it gets too dark. Why are you heading for the stairs now?"

Baviya: (One foot on the first step) "I just... I'm thinking about that 'Ullo va.' If someone is up there, we shouldn't just sit here and wait for them to come down. I want to check it once."

Monika: (Rolling her eyes) "Arambichita! (She started it again!) Look at you... you were the one acting like a hero in front of the Grandma and the shopkeeper. Now why are you scared so much? It’s an old house, Baviya. Sounds travel. Just come here and help me arrange the bed."

Baviya: (Hesitating, looking at the shadows dancing at the top of the stairs) "But Monika, what if"

Monika: "No 'what ifs'! Come here. We’ll keep the lights on, play some loud music on your phone, and finish this work. Once we have our things set up, it’ll feel like our home, not a horror movie set. Come on!"

Baviya: (Slowly walking back to the room, but still glancing over her shoulder) "Fine... but we are locking this bedroom door from the inside tonight. And I’m keeping my laptop charger near me ,I can use it as a whip if 'Nagavalli' shows up."

Monika: (Laughing) "Exactly! Now help me with these sheets. This palace is ours tonight."

(Monika is already tucked into the fresh sheets, yawning and ready to drift off. Baviya is sitting bolt upright on the edge of the bed, her eyes darting toward the corner of the room.)

Monika: (Mumbling into her pillow) "Macha... why are you still sitting like a statue? Switch off the lamp and sleep, na. We have to report to the office early tomorrow."

Baviya: "Monika... I can't. My mind is just not settling. I’m telling you, ever since we stepped inside after the cleaners left, I feel like someone is watching us from the shadows."

Monika: (Sitting up and rubbing her eyes) "Aiyyo, enough, Baviya! Seriously, sleep now. It's just your imagination playing games because you're in a new place. There are no ghosts, no anklets, and the lizards are gone. Just close your eyes."

Baviya: (In a small, desperate voice) "Macha... I really need to go to the restroom. But I'm terrified to walk to that door alone. The corridor is so dark."

Monika: "Are you serious? You’re a Master of Computer Applications, and you’re scared to go to the toilet?"

Baviya: "I don't care about my degree right now! I’m getting scared just thinking about opening that door. Can you... can you please come and stand next to the door while I go?"

Monika: (Sighing loudly) "Ayo Kadavule! (Oh my God!) Fine, come. If I don't come, you'll probably sit there all night and get a kidney stone. Come on, move it.

(Monika switches on the flickering bathroom light. The old bulb hums, casting long, shaky shadows. She stands right outside the door, leaning against the wall, her face glowing from the light of her phone as she types a long message to her mom.)

Monika: (Texting) "Don't worry Ma, we are safe. The palace is clean and we are going to sleep now. Love you..."

Baviya: (Inside the toilet, freezing in place) "Macha... do you hear that?"

(Inside the small room, the air suddenly smells of jasmine. Above the sound of the dripping tap, a clear rhythm begins—Tha-ka-dhi-mi, Tha-ka-ju-nu—the unmistakable sound of heavy brass anklets performing a fierce Bharatanatyam dance on the floorboards right above her head.)

Baviya: (Screaming) "MONIKA! OPEN THE DOOR!"

(Baviya bursts out of the bathroom and throws herself at Monika, hugging her so tightly that Monika almost drops her phone.)

Monika: "Hey! Baviya! What happened? You almost broke my phone! Why are you shaking like this?"

Baviya: (Gasping for breath) "The sound! The anklets! It wasn't just walking, Monika... someone was dancing! Right above me! It was so loud, like a performance!"

Monika: (Looking up at the ceiling, then back at Baviya) "Aiyyo Baviya... I’ve been standing right here the whole time. I didn't hear any dancing. No music, no anklets, nothing. Just the sound of the wind."

Baviya: "That’s because you were busy on your mobile! You’re texting and smiling while I’m in there dying of fear! I’m telling you, someone is in this house with us!"

Monika: (Guiding her back toward the bedroom) "Look, you’re just stressed. Your brain is playing back all those horror movies we watched in the hostel. Next time, don't watch those films if you're going to behave like this. Come, let's just go and sleep. It's almost midnight."

Baviya: "I’m not imagining it, Monika... the smell of jasmine is still there..."

(Monika, completely exhausted from the travel and the stress of the day, finally falls into a deep sleep. She doesn't even notice the heavy silence of the palace. But for Baviya, the night is just beginning.)

Baviya: (Whispering to herself) "How can she sleep like this? My heart is beating like a drum..."

(Suddenly, from the terrace directly above their heads, the sound begins again. It’s not just a 'thud' this time. It’s the clear, melodic voice of a woman singing a haunting Carnatic song. The singing is followed by the heavy, rhythmic 'thump-thump' of feet hitting the floor in a perfect dance sequence.)

Baviya: (Eyes wide, trembling) "Oh no... it’s coming from the terrace. She’s up there. Nagavalli is up there!"

(Terrified, Baviya scrambles out of bed and rushes to the bedroom door. She turns the heavy brass key twice, making sure they are locked in. She then dives back into bed, crawling under the blanket and grabbing Monika’s arm so tightly that Monika groans in her sleep.)

Monika: (Mumbling) "Baviya... let go... I'm sleeping..."

Baviya: (Pressing her face against Monika's shoulder) "I'm not letting go. You sleep, macha, but I’m staying awake. If that door opens, I’m waking you up with a scream."

(As the singing on the terrace gets louder and faster, the bedroom door handle begins to turn slowly—back and fort has if someone on the other side is trying to see if it’s locked.)

The first rays of the Kerala sun filter through the ornate wooden windows, but the palace still feels cold. Monika stretches and wakes up feeling refreshed, but as she looks down, she realizes Baviya is still clutching her arm with a death grip, her face pale and her eyes rimmed with red.

Monika: (Yawning) "Macha, leave my arm! My blood circulation has stopped. Wake up, Baviya! It’s morning!"

Baviya: (Bolting upright, gasping) "Is it... is it light outside? Is it over?"

Monika: (Looking at her, concerned) "Baviya? Look at your face! You look like you haven't slept for a second. You look absolutely exhausted. Why are you still so scared? It's a beautiful morning!"

Baviya: (Her voice shaking) "Monika, you slept like a log. You didn't hear it... the singing on the terrace, the dancing... and someone tried to open our door! The handle was moving, Monika!"

Monika: (Laughing a little) "Hey, what happened to you? Yesterday daytime you were so brave, acting like a hero in front of the Grandma and Rajan. You were the one who said 'Macha, we love horror movies, why be scared?' And now, look at you! You're trembling like a leaf."

Baviya: "That was before I heard her, Monika! It’s different when it’s real! I didn't sleep because I was protecting you!"

Monika: "Protecting me? From what? The wind? Come on, get up. Wash your face. We have to get ready for our first day of work. Once you have some coffee and see the sunlight, you’ll realize it was all just a bad dream."

Baviya: (Walking toward the bathroom, looking over her shoulder) "It wasn't a dream... I’m telling you, we need to find out who lived in that room on the terrace."

Monika is humming a happy tune as she pulls out a beautiful green pleated Anarkali from her suitcase. The morning light makes the green fabric glow, and she looks completely at peace.)

Monika: "Macha, look at this! I feel so refreshed. I think the energy of this palace actually suits me. I haven't slept that soundly in years. My small 2BHK in Bangalore was so noisy, but here? It’s pure silence and comfort."

Baviya: (Sitting on the bed, staring at her with tired, bloodshot eyes) "Comfort? Monika... how can you call this place 'comfortable'? You look so happy and fresh, while I feel like I've been through a war."

Monika: (Tossing an identical green Anarkali dress to Baviya) "Here, I bought an extra one for you. Wear this! We’ll look like twins on our first day at the office. Stop overthinking and get ready!"

Baviya: (Holding the dress but not moving) "How did you sleep through all that, Monika? How? I’m serious... don't you realize what exactly is happening here? The singing, the dancing, the door handle moving... it wasn't the wind!"

Monika: (Applying her bindi in the mirror, smiling) "Honestly, Baviya, I think you’re just not used to the luxury. This palace is grand, and grand houses make grand sounds. I felt like a queen last night. Even the air here feels special."

Baviya: "Special? It feels haunted! I spent the whole night holding your arm like a life jacket while you were dreaming about office files!"

Monika: (Checking her watch) "Aiyyo, get ready! Time’s up! We can’t be late on our first day because you were busy playing ghost-hunter all night. Move it, Baviya! The green dress will make you feel better."

Baviya: (Sighing, slowly standing up) "I hope this dress has some 'protection' powers, because I am not looking forward to coming back here after sunset."

(The morning sun is bright, and the two girls look stunning in their matching green pleated Anarkalis. As Monika is putting on her sandals, she spots something glittering near the heavy wooden entrance door.)

Monika: "Oh, look! A gold anklet! It must have been lying here in the dust. It's so pretty and looks like real gold."

Baviya: (Still distracted and tired) "What? Oh, probably left behind by the previous owners. Just leave it, Monika."

Monika: (Happily snapping it onto her ankle) "No way! It’s so traditional and matches my green dress perfectly. I love these old designs. It’s like a gift from the palace!"

(They walk out and Baviya locks the heavy palace door. They start walking down the long lane toward the main road to catch a bus for their new office. As they walk, the rhythmic 'chime' of the gold anklet follows Monika’s every step.)

Baviya: (Looking down at Monika's feet) "Hey Moni... I just noticed. That anklet is really cute on you. Where did you get it? Did you bring it from Bangalore?

" Monika: (Laughing, feeling very confident) "No, macha! I told you, I found it right near the palace entrance this morning. Isn't it beautiful? I think it brings me good luck."

Baviya: (Stopping dead in her tracks, her face turning pale again) "Wait... you found it inside the palace? Near the entrance?"

Monika: "Yeah! Why are you stopping? We’re going to be late!"

Baviya: "Monika, listen to me! This is exactly what the Grandma and Rajan were talking about! The anklet sounds... the dancing... this isn't just jewelry. It’s a spirit's property! It's Nagavalli's! Take it off right now!"

Monika: "Aiyyo, Baviya! It’s just a piece of metal. Why are you so superstitious? It's just a lucky find."

Baviya: (Reaching down, her hands shaking) "No! I’m not letting you wear this. If you won't take it off, I will!"

(Baviya quickly unclasps the anklet from Monika’s leg. As her fingers touch the metal, she feels a tiny electric shock, but she doesn't stop. She stuffs the gold chain deep into her own handbag and zips it tight.)

Baviya: "I’m keeping this in my bag for now. We are NOT wearing palace ghosts' jewelry to the office. Let’s just go!"

Monika: (Pouting) "Fine, keep it if you're so scared. But you’re being really dramatic, Baviya.".

(Baviya’s handbag begins to vibrate violently, the leather pulsing as if something inside is trying to kick its way out. The ching-ching sound becomes a sharp, angry rattle.)

Baviya: "I can't take this anymore! This thing is cursed!"

(Baviya fumbles with the zipper, her face pale with terror. She grabs the cold metal chain and hurls it back toward the palace entrance. The anklet hits the stone floor, and the moment it touches the ground, it seems to slither like a golden snake back into the shadows of the hallway. The heavy palace door slams shut with a bone-chilling thud.)

Monika: (Crossing her arms, completely annoyed) "Seriously, Baviya? That was a solid gold antique! You just threw away a fortune because you’re scared of old stories. You’re being so dramatic!"

Baviya: (Ignoring her, grabbing Monika’s hand) "I don't care! Come on, Monika, it’s late! We have to get to the office!"

(Baviya pulls Monika toward the gate. The second they step over the outer threshold of the palace grounds, the air around Baviya turns freezing. Monika feels nothing and continues complaining about the jewelry, but Baviya freezes. A low, raspy female whisper crawls into Baviya’s ear, sounding like it's coming from inside her own head.)

The Voice: "Ulo va..." (Come inside...)

(Baviya gasps, spinning around, but there is no one there. The street is empty. Only the tall, silent walls of the palace loom behind them.)

Baviya: "Did... did you hear that? Someone told me to come inside!"

Monika: (Rolling her eyes and pulling Baviya toward the bus stop) "Nobody said anything, macha. It’s just the wind in the trees. Stop hallucinating and let's go, or we’ll be the only ones getting fired on our first day!"

(As they board the bus, Monika is still pouting about the lost gold, but Baviya can’t stop shaking. The voice is gone, but her handbag—now empty—still feels strangely heavy on her lap.)