Chapter Twenty-Two: Prem Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
The chapter opens with Prem driving Kareena back to his apartment after rescuing her from the kidnapping situation. The drive is marked by awkward silence—neither knows what to say that won't reignite their earlier argument. Kareena leans back in the passenger seat, letting the summer night air through the open window, while Prem focuses on the road.
Ten minutes from his apartment, Kareena's phone rings. It's Sonali Aunty, and Kareena reluctantly answers. The call reveals that Kareena had been on a date earlier that day, and the man was insulting—he told her she needed to lower her standards and implied she'd always have to work because no man would want to support her. Kareena vents to Sonali Aunty, noting how insulting the comment was even though she always planned to work anyway. She asks Sonali Aunty to keep the details from Dadi and the Aunty WhatsApp chat until tomorrow, and mentions she's at Bobbi's house without Dadi knowing.
Prem's hands tighten on the steering wheel as he overhears. Jealousy prickles at him—he wonders if she's had good dates since they were last together, if anyone else has kissed her. But he pushes those thoughts aside. When she hangs up, he tells her to forget the man who said those things, that he doesn't deserve her. When Kareena says she hopes someone does deserve her, Prem replies that it's doubtful anyone deserves her, but that she'll inspire someone to be the best version of themselves for her—and he admits she inspires him.
They arrive at his building, park in the underground garage, and take the elevator up in tense silence. Prem gives her space as they enter his condo. Kareena gravitates toward the windows to take in the skyline view, just as she did the first time she visited. Prem watches her, feeling comforted by her presence in his space.
He approaches her, brushes her ponytail aside, and kisses the back of her neck. When she turns, he traces her lower lip and kisses her gently—a contrast to the intense, frenzied kiss they shared outside her shed. They whisper that they missed each other, both adding the word