Chapter 3: The Woman In White
Ardian stood frozen, digesting Neng Kinanti's answer. Not a trace of malice tainted her gentle smile. She had once been assigned by her former master to guard a "Precious Item." But since his passing, the meaning of that task had subtly shifted.
What was once guarding had evolved into protecting.
And the "Precious Item" in question was no longer an object—it had become the family living in the house.
To be honest, Ardian was slightly surprised by Kinanti's genuine desire to protect Mr. Santosa and his family. It wasn't an obligation passed down by her master. It came from the deepest part of her own heart.
"Wait, wait—don't take this the wrong way, I just want to understand—why exactly do you want to protect Mr. Santosa and his family?" Ardian asked cautiously. He knew better than to jump to conclusions in matters like this.
"They're good people," Kinanti said softly, a faint smile on her lips. "They help others, they're devout to their faith, live in harmony, have a good sense of humor, and never cause trouble. Even the kids are well-behaved and respectful."
Ardian nodded slowly, agreeing. The peaceful energy that filled the house was undeniable—tangible proof of the family's warmth.
"I believe good people like Mr. Santosa and his family deserve protection," Kinanti continued, gently combing her long hair with her fingers. "There are others who don't like them."
"And what if Mr. Santosa finds your presence disturbing and wants you gone?" Ardian asked, curious to see how she would react.
"I wouldn't mind," she said with a shrug. "The buhul keeps me bound here anyway, I can't just leave. But if it were up to me, I'd stay. I'm... comfortable here."
"Comfortable? As in, you've just been here a long time, or—"
"No, not that," she cut him off. "I find peace in the kindness this family shows... especially the daughter."
"What do you mean?"
"I feel calm whenever I hear her recite verses from the Qur'an. That alone makes me want to stay. But if Mr. Santosa wants me gone... I will go."
Kinanti's mind drifted to those quiet evenings, when gentle recitations brought serenity to the entire house.
In Ardian's experience, most spirits were selfish, clinging to the places they haunted. Very few were willing to let go of their domains.
But Kinanti was different. Ardian suspected the positive energy in the house had transformed her. And if she was forcibly expelled... she might revert to what she once was.
What Mr. Santosa didn't realize was that his family had become a crucial part of Kinanti's afterlife.
"Alright," Ardian said, offering a solution. "I'll speak to Mr. Santosa. Maybe we can find a way that works for everyone."
"Really!?" Kinanti's face lit up with joy. She leaned forward, her pale, corpse-like face just inches from Ardian's.
"Yes. I'll tell him what you told me." Ardian clenched his jaw, holding himself back from slapping her face away.
"Hehehehehe..." Kinanti laughed with eerie glee, a sound sharp enough to chill the blood.
Smack!
"Oww! Why'd you hit me again!? That hurts!" Kinanti whined, sprawled across the floor.
"I told you—don't laugh like that. You're hurting my ears."
"Ugh, humans and their quick hands. Better be careful when you have a wife and kids someday. Don't go around smacking people!" she muttered, rubbing her cheek.
"Yeah, yeah..." Ardian stood up, brushing off his pants.
"I'm going to talk to Mr. Santosa about this. You go hide—and no laughing, no crying. They're not used to this kind of thing."
"Yes, sir!" Kinanti saluted like a soldier before vanishing into thin air like mist in the wind.
Ardian stepped out and found Mr. Santosa and his wife holding each other like terrified Teletubbies.
"What's wrong, sir? You look like you've seen a ghost," Ardian teased, though he already knew the reason.
"Didn't you hear that creepy woman laughing just now!?" Mr. Santosa shuddered.
"Yes! It was terrifying!" his wife added. "Aren't you scared?"
"Ah, that's just Kinanti," Ardian chuckled. "I told her not to laugh, but... it's kind of her thing. Please excuse it."
"Kinanti?" the couple echoed, confused.
"Yes, that's the name of the spirit in the house. I've spoken to her, and I think I understand what's happening here. May I explain?"
The couple nodded and sat with Ardian on the front porch.
"Here's the thing— Kinanti isn't here to scare or harm your family."
"Then why won't she leave?" Mr. Santosa asked. "All those 'spiritual experts' I brought in couldn't even find her. Let alone exorcise her."
"There are a few reasons. One, it's hard to trace her origin. Two, the people you called may not understand the mantra inscribed on the buhul that binds her."
"Buhul?" the wife asked.
"It's an ancient magical binding tool, dating back to Babylonian times. It's used to anchor spirits to a specific place."
"You're telling me someone planted her in my house!?" Mr. Santosa was stunned.
"Yes. Judging by the buhul and the language of the spell, I believe she's been here since the 12th century... though that's just my theory."
"Good heavens. That long!?"
"No wonder she's impossible to evict," the wife muttered.
"Here's the thing—Kinanti is willing to leave, if you truly wish it," Ardian added. "She told me herself. But—" He stopped to gauge their reactions.
"But what, Mas? Does it involve blood sacrifice? Flowers? Offerings? I won't agree to anything against my faith!" Mr. Santosa snapped, shocking his wife.
"But... I'm scared," she whispered.
"No buts! We've been here two months. No one's been hurt."
"But the house is haunted, darling..."
"That's fine. As long as we stay devoted to our faith and seek protection from Allah, we'll be fine."
"Alright, alright. I trust you," she said, holding his arm tightly.
Ardian chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Mr. Santosa asked, frowning.
"It's just... you say you trust in faith, but you still called in those so called shamans."
"I tried, and when they asked for weird offerings, I refused. I won't compromise my beliefs!"
Ardian bowed his head slightly, showing respect. "I apologize, Sir. I had to test your resolve."
"What do you mean?"
"Many people turn to shamans and dark rituals when they're desperate. That's why their practices still exist today. But people like you—you're the reason they don't completely take over."
Mr. Santosa looked surprised, then nodded.
"So... what were you going to say before?" he asked.
"Kinanti likes living here, but if you want her gone, she'll go."
"Oh dear..." the wife clutched her husband's arm again. "I'm afraid if she leaves, she might come back angry..."
"I don't know either, dear. This is confusing," Mr. Santosa grumbled. "This young man talks in circles."
"You want a solution?" Ardian asked.
"Of course!"
"Then come inside. Let's all have a proper conversation—with Kinanti."
The couple then looking at each other before gulped in fear and face Ardian.
"You're insane."
"You're just figuring that out?" Ardian smirked.
After some hesitation, the couple agreed—on the condition that Ardian would mediate and be responsible for their safety.
As they approached the door, both Mr. and Mrs. Santosa trembled.
"You sure about this?" the wife asked.
"Yes. We have to face it. It's better than living in constant fear. We fear only Allah, not the jinn."
"I'm still scared though..."
"It's okay," Ardian reassured them. "Kinanti's reasonable. She was easy to talk to."
They stopped at the door.
"Let's pray first," Ardian said. They closed their eyes in prayer, then slowly opened the door.
"Good evening, living people!" Kinanti chirped in surprise.
"AAAAAAAHHH!" Mr. and Mrs. Santosa screamed in terror.
"AAAAAAAHHH!" Ardian screamed in surprise.
"AAAAAAAHHH!" Kinanti screamed in confusion.
"AAAAAAAHHH!" All of them screamed together.
Smack!
"Ow! What the fu—" Kinanti shouted from the floor, nursing her cheek.