Bhikkhu Kang glanced at Tom and said, “At first Nang Tani adamantly refused to compromise. But after a lengthy discussion and negotiation, Nang Tani finally requested a marriage in exchange for pardoning Tom for his contempt and disrespect.

            “A marriage? A ghost marriage?” Somchai blurted out.

            Bhikkhu Kang looked at Somchai, “Yes, a ghost marriage. But I find this very strange indeed. Never have I encountered such a peculiar request. ”

            “Good. What does she want for a bridegroom? An effigy?” Somchai interjected.

            Bhikkhu Kang shook his head and said, “No. She wants him,” as he looked back at Tom. “I believe there is a karmic link between the both of you.”

            When Somchai finally translated what transpired, Tom was stunned.

            “You must be kidding, right?” Tom said. “You want me to marry a ghost? That’s impossible. How could that be? Humans and ghosts are like water and oil. They never mix. And what do you mean by a karmic link?”

            Somchai translated what Tom had said to Bhikkhu Kang. Then, Bhikkhu Kang whispered something to Somchai.

            Bhikkhu Kang said that if you pour oil and water into a bowl, the oil will naturally rise to the top, while the water supports it from below. If a wick is placed in the oil and lit,  

it will ignite and spread light throughout the surroundings.

Somchai then explained to Tom that the concept of karmic link is when a bond is formed between two individuals due to a past event, causing them to reunite in subsequent lives until the purpose of their bond is fulfilled.

            Tom appeared confused, then responded, “What has that got to do with me marrying a ghost? For heaven’s sake, I don’t even know her. I can’t even see her. How can I marry her?”

            Somchai again translated Tom’s words to Bhikkhu Kang. Bhikkhu Kang looked at Tom and shook his head in disapproval.  After a lengthy discussion with Somchai, Bhikkhu Kang turned to Tom and studied him intently. In return, Tom gazed back at Somchai with eager anticipation.

            Eventually, Somchai declared, “Bhikkhu Kang said there’s nothing more he can do. Nang Tani is an adamant force to be reckoned with, capable of anything. Your actions have greatly insulted and harmed her, and now you must face the consequences.However, she has shown compassion by offering you a chance at redemption. The decision to accept or reject this offer lies with you. While Bhikkhu Kang may not be well-versed in the customs of ghost marriages, he has a colleague who is an expert in the matter. This individual may be able to offer valuable assistance and advice should you choose to accept the offer."

            Tom was lost in thought for a while. At that moment, a distant rustling could be heard coming from the area of the banana trees. It was evident that Nang Tani was eavesdropping on their conversation and was aware of their intentions. They were certain that it was the presence of Nang Tani that they were sensing. It was clear to them that Nang Tani was not one to give in easily.       

            Sensing the discomfort of those in his presence, Bhikkhu Kang reassured them, "Have no fear. A spiritual barrier protects this house, barring her entry. I will remain here tonight." This eased their apprehensions.

            Somchai abruptly inquired of Bhikkhu Kang, "Would my parents face any harm?" He dreaded the thought of his parents bearing the wrath of Nang Tani. 

            “It all hingeson Tom’s acceptance of the proposal,” Bhikkhu Kang replied. Somchai did not translate this to Tom. He did not want Tom to feel guilty. Tom gazed at him eagerly once more. When Somchai remained silent, Tom's anticipation overcame him and he asked, "What did he say?"

            Somchai replied, “Nothing much. But Tom, you have to seriously consider the proposal. Your life hangs in the balance. Either accept Nang Tani’s proposal, or you’ll die.”

            Somchai was replying to Tom in this manner because he was afraid of the consequences to his parents. Somchai's fear stemmed from the tales of the banana spirits, who were rumoured to have the power to kill with their sickness-inducing abilities. This urban legend instilled a sense of caution in the community, leading them to avoid crossing paths with Nang Tani at all costs.

“There is nothing much we can do for now. I advise that you all go to sleep. Madam Voon and I will stay awake and tend to the things that need to be done,” Bhikkhu Kang suggested.

            Reluctantly, all of them went to bed except for Bhikkhu Kang and Voon. Tom went into his room. The lights were off, and light from outside cast eerie shadows upon the walls of the house. Upon flicking the lights on, Tom noticed the open window and hurriedly shut it. Then, he got into bed, trying to sleep, but he could not. He was thinking of the ramifications of his foolish action. But above all, his thoughts were consumed by the absurd notion of marrying Nang Tani. Doubts began to flood his mind. Maybe it’s a ruse by Bhikkhu Kang to scare him. Maybe this is all an elaborate joke. Countless questions raced through his mind, leaving him restless and uneasy.

            Tom then felt a slight jabbing pain in his stomach. The pain started with small short jabs but grew in intensity, like the heightening crescendo of a symphony. The pain would subside, only to return, feeling like a thousand spikes poking into his stomach. He couldn't sleep, as he kept waking up due to the discomfort.

Throughout the night, Tom's eyes were constantly scanning the perimeter of his room, trying to catch any movement or strange shadow. The light from outside casting eerie shadows added to his unease. He couldn't shake off the feeling that someone or something was watching him.Despite his attempts to ignore the strange noises and cries that echoed through the night, they still managed to raise the hairs on his arms. The resounding thumps from the rooftop made him jump each time as if Nang Tani was purposely trying to draw his attention. However, his focus was more on the pain in his stomach, which seemed to intensify with each passing hour.

As the night wore on and dawn drew near, Tom sensed the hairs on his neck standing upright as the rustling sounds outside the house intensified. It was as though Nang Tani was growing restless and attempting to breach the walls of the house. Her cries grew more fervent, and the thuds on the roof became more incessant.

Then, both the sash of his bedroom window flew open as if someone had opened them with great force. Tom was startled, but he tried to ignore it. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a column of white mist swirling and forming an apparition. Tom tried to ignore it, too, but apparently, it was too tempting for him. He turned his head towards the window. In the midst of the swirling mist, an apparition was forming.