Counting Down with You: 15 Questions and Answers

Welcome to our question-and-answer guide for Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan. Each answer is grounded in the text, exploring character decisions, relationship shifts, symbols, and hidden tensions. Use the internal links to dig deeper into specific characters and themes.

1. Why does Karina count down from ten to calm her anxiety, and how does this connect to Ace’s “spark” comment?

Karina’s countdown is a self-taught coping mechanism she uses to prevent panic attacks, first seen in Chapter 3 after agreeing to tutor Ace. Later, Ace tells her he sees a “spark” in her (Chapter 11). The countdown represents control and survival; the spark represents the life she hides. Together, they show the tension between managing anxiety and embracing genuine desire.

1. What does Dadu’s story about her arranged marriage with Dada reveal about Karina’s relationship with Ace?

In Chapter 20, Dadu describes her arranged marriage: Dada was bold and treated her as an equal. She says, “I was able to ground him in reality” by “loving him.” This mirrors Karina’s dynamic with Ace—she grounds his rebelliousness while he encourages her boldness. The story confirms that love can be both grounding and freeing, signaling that Karina’s feelings for Ace are valid.

1. How does the poem “Unshakable” evolve between Chapters 20 and 39, and what does this change signify?

In Chapter 20, Ace accidentally reads the first version of “Unshakable,” which expresses Karina’s feeling of being caged. By Chapter 39, she rewrites it as “Unshakeable” after falling in love with Ace. The shift from “caged” to “unshakeable” reflects her growing self-confidence and the grounding effect of her relationship, even as she still fears her parents.

1. What are the immediate consequences of Ace declaring Karina his girlfriend at the family dinner in Chapter 15?

Ace’s lie shocks Karina and forces her into a fake relationship to protect both of them. It deepens the deception with Albert Clyde and exposes Ace’s family conflict—his father’s control and Xander’s hostility. This decision sets off a chain of lies that Karina must maintain, increasing her anxiety but also strengthening her bond with Ace.

1. How does Ace’s piano music serve as a symbol for his hidden passion, and where is this most clearly shown?

Ace reveals he is a competitive pianist who has performed internationally in Chapter 14. His original song “Spark” in Chapter 38 becomes a symbol of his vulnerability and true self. The piano represents the part of him that is disciplined and emotional, contrasting with his public “bad boy” persona. It also becomes the medium through which he expresses love for Karina.

1. What foreshadowing appears in the mention of Jane Eyre when Samir asks for help winning over Leah Jimenez?

In Chapter 41, Karina tells Samir that Leah’s favorite book is Jane Eyre and accompanies him to Two Stories bookstore to buy it. Jane Eyre is a classic about a woman finding independence despite oppressive circumstances, foreshadowing Karina’s own fight for autonomy. It also hints at Samir’s growing respect for literature and his sister.

1. How does the treatment of food—such as the ham dinner, the halal Mexican restaurant, and the cheesecake—highlight cultural boundaries?

In Chapter 15, Ace’s father serves ham, which Karina cannot eat, underscoring her religious and cultural difference. Ace later takes her to a halal Mexican restaurant in Chapter 31, showing his attentiveness. The cheesecake at Pietra’s Sweet Tooth (Chapter 7) is a shared treat that bridges their worlds. Food marks both exclusion and care throughout the novel.

1. What hidden tension exists between Karina and her brother Samir before their conversation in Chapter 43, and how does that scene resolve it?

Karina feels overshadowed by Samir’s parental favoritism—he gets freedom and praise while she is scrutinized. In Chapter 43, she finally confronts him about the unequal treatment, and Samir apologizes and promises support. This conversation shifts their relationship from resentment to solidarity.

1. Compare the settings of the planetarium in Chapter 28 and the stargazing date in Chapter 40. What do they reveal about Karina and Ace’s growth?

In Chapter 28, the school planetarium is a secret space where Karina and Ace reveal their true aspirations—Columbia for English, NYU for piano. In Chapter 40, the outdoor stargazing date is more romantic and trusting, with Ace showing her his solar-system tattoo. The move from hidden to open setting mirrors their transition from fake to genuine love.

1. Why does Karina’s anxiety attack in Chapter 25 represent a turning point in her self-awareness?

After years of parental pressure, Karina suffers an anxiety attack in a staircase, feeling she cannot be happy without disappointing her parents. Ace finds her, calms her breathing, and gives her Sour Patch Kids. This is the first time she openly acknowledges her distress and accepts help, marking the beginning of her journey toward self-advocacy.

1. How does the character of cousin Fatima mirror Karina’s struggle, and what does Karina learn from her?

Fatima is pressured by her parents to pursue medicine instead of psychology. When Karina witnesses Fatima’s parents dismissing her double major (Chapter 35), she sees her own future. Karina publicly supports Fatima, gaining courage from Ace’s text. This scene shows that Karina is not alone and that speaking up can inspire others.

1. What is the significance of the bookstore “Two Stories” and its connection to Ace’s mother?

In Chapter 22, Ace takes Karina to Two Stories, which was his mother’s favorite before she moved to Italy. The store becomes a symbol of Ace’s past and his emotional vulnerability. Buying Karina books there deepens their bond and reveals his desire to share genuine parts of himself.

1. How does the final poem in Chapter 54 transform the countdown from a survival tactic into a love affirmation?

The poem “counting down with you” inverts Karina’s ten-to-one panic countdown: “Ten: Thunder shakes… / One: You love me. That will always be enough.” The countdown is no longer about fear but about shared love. It redefines the central motif of the novel, showing that love can be a foundation stronger than anxiety.

1. What contradiction does Karina face when she decides to follow her parents’ path in Chapter 47, and how does Dadu’s response complicate it?

Karina concludes she cannot disappoint her parents and will become a doctor. Dadu tells her she will be right whatever she decides, because the choice is hers. This contradicts Karina’s belief that obedience is the only option. Dadu’s unconditional support plants the seed for Karina to eventually fight for her own dreams.

1. How does Ace’s poem “Lionheart” in English class (Chapter 51) serve as both a public declaration and a private reconciliation?

Ace writes and performs a poem titled “Lionheart” for Karina, making his love public. This act overwhelms her, and she flees. He follows, comforts her, and says her situation is temporary. The poem bridges their period of separation and reaffirms his commitment, allowing Karina to feel seen and valued.

For more on the characters, see our breakdowns of Karina Ahmed, Ace Clyde, and Dadu. Explore themes such as parental expectations, anxiety, and the fake-dating trope. If you have already finished the book, check out our ending explained page.