Chapter 4 Summary: Kareena

⚠️ 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 in the middle of a passionate moment. Kareena and Prem are making out in a back office at a bar, and Kareena—who has never done anything like this in her thirty years—feels empowered and connected. The moment shatters when her sweater vest catches on her earring, leaving her trapped with her arms pinned above her head. Before Prem can help, his phone rings, and he leaves abruptly, abandoning her in the office.

Twelve hours later, Kareena is hungover and fielding a barrage of WhatsApp messages from a group of aunties—Mona, Farah, Sonali, and Falguni—who have learned about her father's retirement. They push her toward marriage as a practical solution, offering to build a biodata for her. Despite her protests, they make clear she won't escape their matchmaking scheme.

Kareena drives her sister Bindu to a Jersey City TV studio for Bindu's appearance on a show. Bindu, a math professor turned YouTube content creator (her channel is Mann Your Business), is a guest on what turns out to be The Dr. Dil Show. Kareena, nursing her hangover with Pedialyte, is drafted as Bindu's