Soul Swap: Trapped Forever

"Tripti, the kheer is absolutely amazing. Just incredible!" Shashank was the first to comment, his voice laced with deliberate admiration.

Tripti responded with a soft "Thank you."

Shashank turned to Sarvagya, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "What about you, Sarvagya? Didn't like it?"

Sarvagya, who had been silently enjoying his food, finally spoke, his tone calm but firm. "The kheer is delicious. You know it's my favorite, and when I eat, I prefer to enjoy my food rather than talk. And by the way, it's bhabhi for you."

(Bhabhi = Sister- in- law)

Shashank chuckled, shaking his head. "No need to be jealous. I'm older than you, so I'll call her Tripti, not bhabhi."

Sarvagya glanced away, suppressing his irritation. "I'm not jealous, just pointing out a simple fact. But it's okay, you're right—you are older than me. I just forgot because, well… I got married before you, didn't I?"

His words were a sharp jab, subtle yet impossible to ignore. Shashank had started this game, and now, Sarvagya was playing along. The teasing had a deeper undertone—Shashank was convinced that Sarvagya resented the fact that he had married Tripti. And to rub salt in the wound, Shashank deliberately praised Tripti's cooking, hoping to get a reaction out of him.

But poor Shashank had no idea that Sarvagya's irritation had little to do with the marriage itself.

Sarvagya was jealous—but not because Tripti was his wife. His jealousy stemmed from something else entirely. He didn't like the way Shashank said her name, as if he had some right over her. Sarvagya knew exactly what kind of man Shashank was—a flirt, a charmer who didn't take relationships seriously. He could see right through him, and he despised the thought of him trying to get too familiar with Tripti.

Before the tension could rise further, Sonali, Sarvagya's cousin, spoke up. "Bhaiya, how did you and bhabhi meet? You never told us anything about her! You were living abroad, and she was here… so when did this love story happen?"

For a moment, Sarvagya was silent. Then, choosing his words carefully, he said, "We met on social media. Started as friends, then kept talking, and eventually, we got into a relationship. I had planned to come here and meet Tripti, but I never got the chance. Then, I returned for Shashank's engagement."

Sonali frowned slightly. "So, let me get this straight—you two met for the first time on the day of Shashank bhaiya's engagement? And then yesterday, you met again and got married?"

Sarvagya gave a small nod. "That's exactly what happened. I didn't expect to get married so soon either."

Sonali grinned. "Life is full of surprises! And honestly, this is what makes it exciting. You're so lucky, bhaiya—some people have to fight for their love, but you got yours without much effort. I'm really happy for you!"

Before Sarvagya could respond, Keshav, his father, interjected. "Effort wasn't really needed, beta. If Manisha and Shashank had gotten married, and Sarvagya had later told me about his relationship, I would have let him marry the girl of his choice anyway."

Sonali laughed. "Oh, I know, Mamaji! You're so cool about these things."

(Mamaji - Maternal Uncle)

Keshav chuckled. "I know, right?"

As the conversation continued, Tripti observed the family dynamics in silence. She couldn't yet tell who was genuinely good and who wasn't. But she knew one thing—she had to be wary of three people: Shashank, his mother Sejal, and that old hag of a grandmother named Gayatri. Keshav… he was another mystery. He seemed easygoing, but something about him didn't sit right with her.

Just then, Shashank leaned in close to Sarvagya and murmured, "Impressive. That was a clean, well-crafted lie. Where did you come up with it so quickly?"

Sarvagya smirked, replying just as quietly, "Well, when you grow up surrounded by liars, you learn to be one too. I can spin a hundred lies in the blink of an eye now."

Shashank exhaled sharply, recognizing the dig immediately. He knew what Sarvagya was referring to. Growing up, Sarvagya had been kept in the dark about many things. But the truth had a way of surfacing. And when it finally did, Sarvagya didn't lash out or demand explanations.

He simply left.

No one had expected him to be so calm. But what they didn't realize was that his silence wasn't acceptable. It was calm before a storm. Sarvagya had left for a reason, and it wasn't just to distance himself from his family. He had gone away to plan their downfall.

Before Shashank could say anything else, Sarvagya's aunt spoke up. "After lunch, I'm taking Tripti with me. She'll be staying in my room for now. So don't wait for her—just go back to your room and get some sleep."

Sarvagya raised an eyebrow. "And may I ask why?"

His aunt Sweety replied "Because I know you won't let her rest. She needs some peace, and I have some things to give her. Plus, I need to explain a few things to her."

Sarvagya shrugged. "As you wish. I could use some sleep anyway."

He got up to leave but then, in a deliberately loud voice, added, "Just don't fall for Bua ji's words, sweetheart. She's probably going to teach you how to torture me, so ignore whatever she says as much as possible."

(Bua ji - Father's sister)

Tripti couldn't help but giggle, while Sweety shot him a glare. "You ungrateful brat! I raised you, and this is how you talk about me?"

Sarvagya grinned. "Well, you are playing the villain in my love story. What else should I call you?"

Sweety narrowed her eyes. "Fine. If I'm the villain, then you'll see what a real villain looks like. Just wait and watch."

Ignoring her, Sarvagya leaned in close to Tripti and whispered, "See you tonight, baby. Be ready for our wedding night love."