Chapter 22: Summary, Analysis, and Key Takeaways

⚠️ 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

Chapter 22 opens with Ishu on a video call with Hani, who proposes a triple date with Aisling and Dee and their boyfriends. Ishu is immediately resistant—she doesn't like Aisling or Dee, and the idea of spending time with their boyfriends sounds miserable. Hani argues that Aisling and Dee hold significant social power at school and that Ishu won't win the Head Girl campaign without winning them over. Ishu reluctantly agrees, and Hani offers to come over to help her prepare.

When Hani arrives at Ishu's house that Saturday, Ishu's mother, Ammu, greets her at the door before Ishu can even get downstairs. Ammu launches into a conversation with Hani, inviting Hani's family to a dawat (a traditional dinner gathering) the following week—even though Ammu had already spoken to Hani's mother about it on the phone the day before. Ishu rescues Hani and leads her upstairs to her bedroom.

Once alone, Hani briefs Ishu on her best friends' interests. Dee loves fashion, wants to become a hairdresser, and is obsessed with the Kardashians. Aisling is obsessed with royals and the monarchy—she talked about the royal wedding for months and had theories about Prince Harry's baby before journalists reported on it. Ishu is incredulous, pointing out that Aisling is Irish and that the British monarchy colonized Ireland for centuries. Hani advises Ishu to steer clear of political topics entirely and stick to lighthearted subjects to avoid a fight.

Hani then reveals that both Aisling and Dee are obsessed with Riverdale and have crushes on KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse. Hani admits she's only watched one episode, and Ishu says she hasn't watched it at all, joking that there are too many white people in it. Hani offers to watch the show together so they can pick their crushes. Ishu agrees, though she privately knows she already has a crush—on Hani.

Key Events

• Hani proposes a triple date with Aisling and Dee and their boyfriends to boost Ishu's Head Girl campaign.

• Ishu reluctantly agrees, and Hani comes to her house that Saturday.

• Ammu invites Hani's family to a dawat, showing growing family integration.

• Hani briefs Ishu on Dee's interests (fashion, hairdressing, Kardashians) and Aisling's interests (royals, monarchy).

• Hani advises Ishu to avoid political topics with Aisling, especially anything about British colonialism in Ireland.

• Hani suggests watching Riverdale together as a shared topic with Aisling and Dee.

• Ishu acknowledges her growing crush on Hani and resolves to suppress it.

Character Development

Ishu is forced to confront her feelings head-on in this chapter. She explicitly names her condition—a crush—and calls it the worst thing that's ever happened to her. Her internal conflict is sharp: she wants to win Head Girl, but she also wants to protect herself from vulnerability. She decides to kill the crush while it's still young, fearing that Hani will look at her like a kicked puppy if she finds out. Yet her actions betray her resolve—she invites Hani over immediately, compliments her outfit, and agrees to watch Riverdale together. Ishu also shows a softer side when she notes that Hani fits into her house like family, knowing all the cues and rhythms of her home.

Hani demonstrates genuine care for Ishu's campaign, offering detailed advice about her friends' preferences. She's perceptive about social dynamics, but she remains oblivious to her friends' flaws—Ishu notes that Hani's blindness to Aisling and Dee's assholery creates a throb of anger in her. Hani blushes when the word