Chapter summaries Counting Down with You Tashie Bhuiyan

Chapter 23: Ice Skating, Instagram, and a Glimpse of Happiness

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Karina struggles to ice-skate at a rink with Ace, Mia, and Mia’s girlfriend Daniela. Ace helps her stay upright, making playful High School Musical references. At Nandini and Cora’s insistence, Karina agrees to take photos with Ace for Instagram to fabricate a romantic date. Daniela photographs them while Ace spins Karina. Later, Karina posts a picture that receives many likes and comments, including one from Ace calling her beautiful. She video-calls her mother, who notices a difference in her appearance; Karina deflects by discussing skincare. Dadu observes that Karina seems lighter and happier, feeding her rosogolla. Ace reposts one of Daniela’s photos with the caption “magic…” and Karina reflects on whether she is truly happier, with only 19 days until her parents return.

Key Events

  • Karina repeatedly falls on the ice; Ace helps her up and teaches her to skate.
  • Ace reveals he plays piano for competitions and is not a “bad boy.”
  • Mia and Daniela photograph Karina and Ace together for Instagram.
  • Karina’s post gets nearly 200 likes and comments from friends.
  • Karina lies to her mother about a new skincare routine.
  • Dadu brings rosogolla and tells Karina she looks happier.
  • Ace posts a photo of them spinning, captioning it “magic…”

Character Development

  • Karina (Ahmed): Shows vulnerability and willingness to enjoy a moment despite her anxiety about her parents. She begins to question what happiness feels like, hinting at internal growth.
  • Ace (Alistair Clyde): Reveals his genuine personality—playful, caring, and far from the “bad boy” reputation. His decision to post a photo suggests he values the memory with Karina.
  • Mia & Daniela: Act as supportive friends, encouraging Karina to relax and have fun.
  • Dadu: Serves as an emotional anchor, perceiving Karina’s emotional shift without needing an explanation.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Ice skating as a metaphor for trust and balance: Karina’s dependence on Ace to stay upright mirrors her growing willingness to rely on him emotionally.
  • Social media as performance: The Instagram post is a tool for Karina to maintain the fake relationship narrative, but it also becomes a genuine expression of a happy moment.
  • The countdown (T-MINUS 19 DAYS): The ticking clock underscores the temporary nature of Karina’s freedom and her relationship with Ace, adding urgency to her self-discovery.
  • Rosogolla (sweet dessert): Symbolizes comfort and familial love, contrasting with the pressure from her parents.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the emotional connection between Karina and Ace outside of their fake-dating arrangement. It shows Karina experiencing genuine happiness for the first time in the story, which creates internal conflict with her fear of her parents’ return. The public Instagram post also escalates the risk of exposure, raising the stakes for the remaining chapters. Dadu’s perceptive observation reinforces that Karina’s transformation is visible to those who know her well, setting up later revelations about her true feelings.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Ace’s character contradict his “bad boy” reputation in this chapter?

He reveals that many of his absences from school are for piano competitions, and he has won trophies for the school. He also makes multiple High School Musical references and enjoys watching musical marathons with his sister, showing a playful, non-threatening side.

2. What role does social media play in Karina’s relationship with Ace?

Social media is initially a tool for maintaining their fake relationship at the insistence of Nandini and Cora. However, Ace’s decision to post a photo and caption it “magic…” transforms the post into a genuine keepsake, blurring the line between performance and reality.

3. How does the theme of happiness appear in this chapter, and what evidence suggests Karina is changing?

Karina’s grandmother Dadu tells her she looks happier and that her steps seem lighter. Karina later examines her own reflection in the photo and wonders if this is what happiness feels like. The rosogolla and the ice-skating moment both contribute to a sense of contentment she hasn’t felt before.

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