ArShi Horror OS - The Love that Haunts |Chapter 4 Page 4| - Page 4

Originally posted by: ExoticDisaster

Next chapter updated :)

Nice Khushi Finally Found A Way To Free Arnav

Is Khushi His Lost Love?

Can the similarity of the name be a coincidence? Is Khushi the rebirth of his long lost love?

Chapter 4

The sun dipped low, casting a warm, golden glow through the dusty windows of the old mansion. Khushi moved with quiet determination, her fingers trailing along the cracked plaster of the wall as she explored each room. It had been weeks since she stumbled upon the ethereal presence of Arnav.

Khushi had come to understand Arnav's sorrow, the weight of his unfinished business pressing down on him like mist. Her heart ached for him, for the anguish that had kept him grounded in limbo. Each night they shared stories beneath the flickering candlelight, her voice a balm to his restless spirit, as he slowly revealed the broken fragments of his existence.

Today, however, Khushi sought a distraction. The mansion had become a place of healing for both of them, a sanctuary where laughter had replaced despair, even if just for a moment. But as she entered a room she hadn't noticed before, a shiver ran down her spine. The atmosphere shifted; it was heavy yet soothing, like a lullaby from another era.

Her gaze fell upon a large chest in the corner, its wood polished but weathered with time. Curiosity piqued, she approached it, kneeling beside the ornate piece. With a gentle tug, she lifted the creaking lid, unable to suppress her gasp as she caught sight of what lay inside.

A set of intricately designed anklets sparkled in the dim light, silver and adorned with tiny bells that chimed softly with her movement. They were beautiful—delicate, yet full of life, a stark contrast to the silent room that surrounded them. Each anklet told a story, weaving together whispers of joy, sorrow, and the vibrant heartbeats of those who had worn them before.

Khushi's mind raced as she considered the significance of the anklets. Could these be a lost treasure of Arnav's past? A piece of his history he had yet to share? Carefully, she lifted them from the chest, feeling a strange warmth emanating from the metal as she held them close.

"Arnav," she called softly, almost as if her voice could summon him from where he wandered. The air around her shifted, and with a gentle rustle, he materialized beside her, his ethereal form shimmering in the muted light.

"What have you found?" he asked, his voice like a whispering breeze.

Khushi smiled, her excitement bubbling over.

"Look! These anklets... are so pretty. Do you recognize them?"

He stepped forward, trying to recognise it.

"No," he whispered.

"Who was she?" Khushi asked gently, sensing the weight of his memories.

Khushi felt the heaviness in his heart.

"It's okay, Arnav," she said softly. "Good things take time."

With a deep breath, Arnav reached out and brushed his fingers against the anklets. A jolt of energy shot through him. The room dissolved into a swirl of colors and sounds, and for the first time since they had connected, visions flooded his mind.

He saw a sunlit courtyard, laughter echoing off the walls, and there was a woman from another time. She wore the anklets, their delicate bells tinkling as she danced with a grace that took his breath away. The sunlight caught the silver, reflecting glimmers of light as she twirled, unaware of the figure lurking in the shadows. Arnav felt the weight of longing in his chest, an ache he couldn't comprehend but recognized immediately as love.

"Khushi..." he whispered, voice barely above a breath.

She turned, startled, as if sensing him even though he was but an echo from the past. The vision faded, and Arnav was left standing in the dim light of the room, beneath a veil of confusion.

"Arnav?" Khushi's voice broke through the haze of his reverie. She watched, concern etching her features as she searched his eyes for clues.

"I... I saw her," he stuttered, the words rushing out in a torrent. "She was... in a courtyard, wearing these," He gestured towards the anklets, still glimmering in her hands as if imbued with magic. "She was dancing."

Khushi's breath caught in her throat as realization dawned.

"Could it be Khushali?" she whispered, her heart racing.

"I don't know," he admitted, the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "But it felt real."

"I can't remember much. Just flashes. She seemed happy."

"We can figure this out together," Khushi promised, her voice steady. "We'll uncover your past. We'll find out why are yo trapped here, and what happened to her."

Arnav's gaze softened, a flicker of hope igniting in the depths of his eyes. As Khushi held the anklets in her hands, she knew they had been the key to unlocking a door long shut.

__________

Khushi sat on her bed, the pair of anklets placed beside.

"Khushali," she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.

The woman Arnav loved. The information had sent a pang of jealousy through her, sharp and insistent. Here lay a piece of the girl who had captured Arnav's heart—a piece that had somehow survived the passage of time.

Khushi picked up the anklets, running her fingers over the cool metal, the intricate designs feeling strangely familiar. With a deeper breath, she made a choice. Would wearing them tie her to Khushali? Would it summon moments of longing from Arnav's past? And if it did, would it help him find solace, or would it only draw him closer to memories that could never be resurrected?

She took a deep breathe.

Here she was, trying to help Arnav find peace, yet the very thought of Khushali's existence gnawed at her insides. What was it about this other girl that held such power over him? She had been gone for years, yet her presence felt palpable, like a shadow haunting their fragile bond. With a pang, Khushi recognized her own desire—not just to aid Arnav, but to be the one he longed for, to hold a place in his heart that was distinctly hers.

The anklets were a reminder of a love that was not hers, a love that had already shaped Arnav's story long before she had stepped into his world. Yet, the need to connect, to feel a part of him, overruled her caution. She slipped the anklets onto her ankles, the delicate metal cool against her skin.

And suddenly, the room faded around her.

_______

The clinking sound of the silver bells echoed softly in her ears, enveloping Khushi in a cocoon of memories. The pastel-colored walls of her modern apartment dissolved like sugar in water, transforming into the lavish chambers of the Raizada Kingdom.

The air was thick with the fragrance of jasmine and sandalwood, mingling with the faint strains of traditional music played by unseen musicians. Khushi looked down at her attire; she was clad in an exquisite, flowing ivory lehenga adorned with intricate gold embroidery that danced with every movement. Each step she took sent the anklets chiming, a melody that resonated like a heartbeat.

"Khushali!" a voice called, vibrant and full of life. It was Anjali, her sister.

She entered the room with a cascade of laughter, her raven hair braided with fresh florals. Anjali's eyes sparkled with mischief as she beckoned Khushi forward.

"Come! You have to see this!"

Khushi followed her sister down the grand hallways. The marble floors glistened under the chandeliers, each crystal droplet capturing the light and casting it into a myriad of colors against the walls. They passed servants and nobles, their eyes following the two sisters, their whispers swirling like a gentle breeze around them.

"Tonight is the prince's ball," Anjali said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Rumor has it that he will choose his bride among the guests!"

Khushi's heart quickened—a mix of excitement and trepidation washed over her. The prince, the beloved crown jewel of the kingdom, yet untouchable, so far removed from the world that Khushi knew. She had only glimpsed him in passing—a figure cloaked in nobility and allure.

As they reached the grand ballroom, Khushi's breath hitched in her throat. The room was adorned with grand tapestries and hanging garlands of flowers. Soft lanterns illuminated the space, casting a warm glow on elegantly dressed nobles twirling across the floor. Laughter and music intertwined into an atmosphere of palpable anticipation.

And then she saw him. Walking down the stairs in royalty - Royal Prince Arnav Singh Raizada.

_____________

Putting on those anklets transported her into the old world. She is now Khushali.