Chapter 17 Summary, Analysis, and Study Notes
⚠️ 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
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The chapter opens in Hani's point of view as she and Ishu ride to Dee's birthday party. Ishu is visibly anxious — her legs bounce the entire twenty-five-minute drive, and she looks pale enough that Hani worries she might be sick. When Amma drops them off, Ishu politely thanks her and promises to call when the party ends, declining the offer of a sleepover. Hani squeezes Ishu's fingers and tells her to stick close.
Dee answers the door and greets Hani with a warm hug, but her welcome for Ishu is noticeably cooler — a flat, tight smile and a clipped greeting. Hani notices that the party is smaller than expected; Dee explains it's more low-key than originally planned, a choice that surprises Hani given Aisling's usual extravagance.
Inside, Hani explains her Bengali nickname to Dee, who struggles to understand the concept of a dak nam (pet name) alongside a bhalo nam (good name). Dee points out that Hani's nickname is actually Maira, and Hani changes the subject rather than trying to explain the cultural nuance.
Aisling waves them over to the couch, making space for them to squeeze in beside her. Hani deliberately sits between Aisling and Ishu, knowing the two don't get along. Dee brings out bottles of alcohol that Hani suspects were sneaked from the family's locked cupboard — a plan that has Aisling's fingerprints all over it.
Aisling announces they'll play Kings, a drinking game. When another guest suggests a non-alcoholic alternative, Aisling dismisses the idea harshly. Dee passes around shots while Aisling divides everyone into teams. Ishu whispers to Hani, offering to tell the others that Hani doesn't drink, but Hani declines — she doesn't want to be singled out.
When Hani finally tells Aisling she can't play, Dee insists she must, since it's her birthday. The room falls silent as Hani explains she's Muslim and doesn't drink. Dee dismisses this, saying Hani isn't