“First few months Kanika didn’t know this and she kept on waiting for his return. When she finally found out what had happened – she gave up food and water. Her Aaya was concerned – but she could do nothing. One day when Kanika was roaming on the terrace of that palace – she flung herself down the height & died. The king then summoned the Aaya and put her in dungeon. Thus ended the tragic story of Kanika, the Princess…”
The driver stopped the car, “From here you’ll have to go on foot. It’s about a km away. I’ll wait for you at this dhaba.”
“It seems – there’s a road – though not in good condition… Why don’t you take us directly there? We can return to have our food at this dhaba…” Akash said.
“I won’t go any further… I can’t – go any further. That place is haunted and I don’t have the daring to go there. I will suggest even you don’t go there. Just look at it from far and return – don’t enter it…” he put his foot down.
Akash started laughing.” In this modern age do you believe in ghosts?” Ayushi joined him in his laughter.
“If you don’t believe – I don’t mind – but don’t tell me later that I didn’t warn you…” driver cautioned.
“Okay – we are going to go in there & prove that there aren’t any ghosts. Akash – let’s have an early lunch so that we can spend more time in exploring the so called haunted palace of Kanika…”
After an early lunch, they moved on foot toward the palace – the driver won’t budge of his decision.
On the way, they asked for directions to the locals who told them the way to reach the palace but were terrified to accompany them. All had to say the same – the palace was haunted.
They had almost reached the palace but couldn’t locate the palace. They found a shepherd who said that it was just behind the abnormal growth of trees behind them. Upon asking he said that people normally experienced a very cool atmosphere when the ghost was near… They laughed and decided to check that coolness in the atmosphere and crossed the unruly growth of the trees.
“Oh! This is in absolute ruins…” observed Akash
“Yes – nobody has bothered to protect the sanctity or the workmanship of this palace. The rumour, that it’s haunted has kept people away. Good you asked the hotel person for this palace. I’ll see if this can be restored through the department…”
They started to explore the palace. They could faintly make out the structure. They started guessing what they thought could be the main hall. These seem to be quarters for others and the guard. They moved further and found a room. As soon as they entered the room a chill ran over them. The room was chilled as if an air-conditioner was installed and was running at about 15°C as against the burning heat outside which was around 32°C…
“Oh! What a technology” said Akash in awe, “it’s naturally cooled and maybe – this was the Princess’s bedroom.”
“Yes – a similar room is present if you go to Hyderabad in the fort of Govalkonda. It has king & queen’s chamber – Similarly chilled… you should visit that.”
“I certainly will… I would like to know what was the technology used. If I can duplicate, then many of my clients would be happy as they would be able to save heavy electricity bills.”
“Try to find this out – till date nobody has…” Ayushi said moving in to explore the corners of that room.
“Do you roam around in India exploring such sites?” Akash was awed
“Yes – one is to study the historical architecture and to see if any new sites could be found adding to the grand history and culture of India…” she was looking for something which Akash couldn’t understand… “Hey! Pick up that branch of the tree and help me dig something I think I found…”
Akash lifted the medium sized branch and started digging at the point she had pointed. She found another strong twig and she started to scrape the points dug by Akash. Soon, after a short toil, they were able to uncover a grand looking bed – though it was almost worn out by time – still one could see the grandeur and exquisite carvings on the bed. A whiff of air blew in from a side over the bed chilling them further… Had someone else been in their place, they would have been spooked…