Soul Swap: Trapped Forever

The soft golden glow of the morning sun seeped through the delicate curtains, casting warm patterns on the walls. The entire house was still in deep slumber, but inside one particular room, a new day had already begun in the most tender way possible.

Tripti lay curled up in a deep, peaceful sleep, a faint smile lingering on her lips as though she were lost in a pleasant dream. Her dark hair was spread across the pillow like a cascade of silk, and the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest mirrored the tranquility of the early morning.

A gentle touch caressed her cheek, warm and featherlight. It was so subtle, so careful, that had she not been so attuned to his presence, she might have missed it. But the sensation continued—soft kisses trailing from her cheek to the corner of her lips, then moving lower, brushing against the sensitive skin of her wrist.

Tripti stirred slightly, letting out a soft sigh but refusing to open her eyes. She shifted to her side, pulling the blanket over her shoulders, silently protesting the intrusion into her slumber.

Sarvagya chuckled under his breath. "Still sleepy?" His voice was a mere whisper, laced with amusement.

Instead of replying, Tripti buried her face into the pillow, determined to ignore him.

But Sarvagya was nothing if not persistent. He gently took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips once more, peppering it with slow, lingering kisses. His free hand moved to her hair, running through the silky strands with a soothing rhythm.

Finally, she let out a soft groan of defeat, her voice muffled. "Sarvagya… let me sleep…"

"Good morning, Mrs. Agnihotri." he said, his tone teasing.

Tripti let out a slow sigh and finally turned her head, her sleepy eyes meeting his warm gaze. A soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she took in the sight of her husband lying beside her, his eyes full of warmth.

"Good morning" she murmured, placing her hand on his chest and snuggling closer. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was comforting, familiar.

He kissed the top of her head before whispering "It's almost four."

Tripti frowned slightly. "So early? Then why are you waking me up? Let me sleep a little longer."

Sarvagya smirked. "As much as I'd love to let you sleep, we live in a house full of spies, darling. If we don't wake up soon, someone might just come knocking to check what's going on in here."

Tripti groaned in frustration. "Just a little more time…" she stretched lazily, her arms going above her head. "You go get fresh first. I'll wake up after that."

Sarvagya shook his head knowingly. "Fine. But by the time I come back, your clothes, jewelry, and makeup better be ready, alright?"

She hummed in response, already nestling back into the pillows.

He got up and grabbed his clothes, but just as he was about to leave, he hesitated. Tripti, sensing his lingering presence, opened one eye and raised a questioning brow.

Without a word, he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'll be back soon" he murmured before disappearing into the bathroom.

Tripti smiled to herself, stretching once more before rolling onto her back. She lay there, basking in the comfort of the moment for a few more minutes, until the sound of water from the shower stopped. Realizing she couldn't delay any longer, she reluctantly got up and began searching for her suitcase.

But within moments, a frown creased her forehead. Her suitcase was nowhere to be found.

Panic started creeping in as she checked every corner of the room. "Where is it?" she muttered, glancing around. The realization hit her—none of her belongings were in the room. No clothes. No accessories. Not even her makeup.

Just then, the bathroom door clicked open, and Sarvagya stepped out, freshly dressed, rubbing a towel over his damp hair. His sharp gaze immediately caught her standing in the middle of the room, looking lost.

"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing the crease on her forehead.

Tripti turned to him, confusion in her eyes. "My suitcase is missing. It was supposed to be here, but it's gone."

Sarvagya narrowed his eyes. He didn't even need to think twice before he knew exactly who was behind this.

"Of course" he muttered under his breath, exhaling sharply.

Tripti looked at him. "What do you mean?"

Sarvagya crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "This was done deliberately. And I know exactly who's responsible."

Tripti's brows furrowed. "Who?"

"Mrs. Sejal Agnihotri." he said flatly. "Last night, she was acting a little too smug. She locked the study room from the outside so we couldn't be separated. She arranged for the room's decorations, made sure you were dressed like a perfect bride, and now, she's hidden your clothes so you have no choice but to stay as you are."

Tripti's eyes widened. "But… why would she do that?"

Sarvagya let out a dry chuckle. "Because she sees me as her son— the kind who can't resist a woman when put in a romantic setting. She thought that if she could trap me in this situation, something was bound to happen between us. And well… she wasn't entirely wrong, was she?"

Tripti's cheeks turned a deep shade of red as memories of the previous night flashed in her mind. She looked away, biting her lip.

Sarvagya smirked at her reaction but soon turned serious when he spotted something on the bedside table. A glass of milk.

His eyes darkened. "This milk… Who brought it?"

Tripti blinked, then suddenly remembered. "Oh! That… Sejal Aunty brought it last night. She left it for both of us, but I forgot to mention it."

Sarvagya let out a relieved sigh. "Thank God we didn't drink it. I wouldn't be surprised if she mixed something in it."

Tripti swallowed. "But… why? What did I do to her?"

His expression turned grim. "You didn't do anything. She just hates me. She doesn't want me to be happy. I told everyone I was in a relationship with someone else and that I would marry her after a year. So now, Sejal is trying to force me closer to you in hopes that it will ruin my supposed relationship."

Tripti looked at him, concern flashing in her eyes. She reached out and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. "I don't know how we'll survive in this house, Sarvagya."

He stroked her hair, his touch gentle yet firm. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. We'll leave this house soon. Just bear with it for a little while."

Tripti nodded, taking comfort in his warmth. After a moment, she pulled back and asked "But what about my clothes?"

Sarvagya cupped her cheek. "You freshen up first. I'll get your things. There should be some bathrobes in the bathroom—just wear one for now."

Tripti nodded and disappeared into the bathroom, while Sarvagya ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. Sejal had crossed the line this time. He wasn't going to let her win.

His jaw tightened as he stormed out of the room, his destination clear—Sejal's room.

It was still early. The entire house was sleeping. But Sarvagya didn't care. He knocked on the door. No response. He knocked again, louder this time.

After five long minutes, the door finally creaked open, revealing a very annoyed Sejal, her eyes half-closed with sleep.

Sarvagya's eyes flickered to the bed. Keshav was asleep, but what caught his attention was the extra mattress on the floor. A smirk played on his lips as he spoke.

"You don't sleep in the same bed as your husband?" His voice was laced with mockery. "Why? Is it because you share something else with Shashank instead?"

Sejal blinked a few times, still groggy from being woken up so early. Her lips twisted into an annoyed frown as she crossed her arms.

"Sarvagya?" Her voice was low, laced with irritation. "What do you want at this ungodly hour?"

Sarvagya didn't wait for an invitation. He stepped forward, his sharp gaze scanning the room. "I'm here to collect Tripti's luggage" he said plainly. "I know you took it, so just hand it over."

Sejal's eyes flickered with something—perhaps amusement, perhaps defiance. She turned her head slightly and glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's 4:30 in the morning, and you're here just for some suitcases?" she asked with mock surprise. "I thought you'd be fast asleep after… well, after last night."

Sarvagya smirked, unfazed. "I have better things to do, Mrs. Agnihotril. Unlike some people, I don't spend my time interfering in others' lives." He folded his arms across his chest. "Now, tell me—where is Tripti's stuff? I have other things to take care of, and honestly, I'd rather be out jogging than standing here listening to you."

Sejal raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Relax. I put her bags in the guest room."

Sarvagya gave her a knowing look, his voice dipping lower. "You seem quite interested in my schedule. But if you really must know, I woke up early because neither of us drank the milk you so generously provided last night." His tone was dripping with sarcasm. "Nice try. But I'm not your son, who loses himself at the sight of a pretty face. I'm Sarvagya Agnihotri . You'll never trap me in your petty games."

His words hit their mark, and for a split second, Sejal's mask slipped. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her fingers curling into a fist.

Sarvagya didn't wait for her response. He turned on his heel and walked away, leaving her seething in silence.

As soon as he was gone, Sejal let out a sharp breath, her teeth grinding together in frustration. "Damn it!" she spat, stomping her foot against the ground. "He slipped right through!"

But her anger was fleeting. Within moments, her frown melted into a slow, eerie smile. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, her mind already spinning new ideas.

"No matter" she murmured. "One plan failed, but that doesn't mean I'm out of options. A single escape won't save him forever. Sooner or later, he'll fall into my trap."

Her lips curled into a sinister grin as she whispered "This time, I'll make sure Sarvagya himself destroys his own relationship. And when I'm done, there will be nothing left to save."

A deep chuckle bubbled up from her throat as she relished the thought of what was to come. Her plan was already taking shape—dangerous, twisted, and guaranteed to break Sarvagya's world apart.

What is Sejal's real plan?

Will she succeed this time?