Chapter 33 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 Ishu getting ready for school when her father, Abbu, knocks on her door early in the morning. He looks tired and unshaven, and he brings up the upcoming prefect and Head Girl selections at school. He mentions that two years ago, Ishu's older sister Nikhita (Nik) had prepared for the same process and was deeply disappointed when she didn't get the position. Abbu tells Ishu she is on the right track and asks her to keep him updated about the Head Girl interview. Ishu nods, privately resolving to tell her parents only if she becomes Head Girl.

On the bus to school, Ishu scrolls through Instagram and sees a photo posted that morning from Nik's engagement party, which took place the night before. Nik is pictured with her fiancé Rakesh, both dressed up and smiling. The caption thanks a friend for hosting the party. Ishu feels a lump in her throat, wondering if her parents were invited and whether the family has reached a point where they don't include each other in major life events. She realizes this might explain why Abbu was reassuring her—her parents may have given up on Nik.

At school, Ishu is called into Principal Gallagher's office for her Head Girl interview, but the principal postpones it and reveals that Ishu's parents have been called in. Ammu and Abbu arrive, and Principal Gallagher presents two biology tests—one with Ishu's handwriting and one with Aisling's—and explains that a student has accused Ishu of cheating. Ishu denies it, insisting that Aisling copied from her, and points to her consistent high marks as evidence. Principal Gallagher says an investigation will be opened and that Ishu cannot be considered for Head Girl during the process. Ishu protests angrily, but her parents calm her down and they leave the school.

As Ishu gathers her things, she sees Hani standing with Aisling and Dee, whispering together. For a moment, Ishu wonders if her relationship with Hani has been an act, but she quickly dismisses the thought, focusing on proving her innocence.

In the car, Ishu explains the situation to her parents. They agree to help her prove her innocence quietly, hoping she can still become Head Girl if the matter is resolved quickly. Ishu then asks about Nik's engagement party and wedding. Her parents confirm they were invited but refuse to attend because they do not support Nik's decision to drop out of university. Ishu challenges them, asking if they would cut her off too if she made choices they disapproved of. Her mother insists they would not, but Ishu is unconvinced, feeling that her place in the family may be conditional on her success.

Key Events

Abbu wakes Ishu early to discuss the Head Girl selection, referencing Nik's past failure.
Ishu discovers Nik's engagement party photos on Instagram and worries her parents were not invited.
Principal Gallagher postpones Ishu's interview and calls in her parents.
Gallagher presents two biology tests and accuses Ishu of cheating based on a student's report.
Ishu denies cheating, claiming Aisling copied from her, but Gallagher opens an investigation and removes Ishu from Head Girl consideration.
Ishu sees Hani with Aisling and briefly doubts their relationship.
In the car, Ishu's parents agree to help prove her innocence quietly.
Ishu learns her parents were invited to Nik's wedding but refuse to attend.
Ishu questions whether her parents' support is conditional on her choices.

Character Development

Ishu is at a breaking point. Her academic ambition has been her identity and her way of securing her parents' approval, especially after Nik's estrangement. The cheating accusation threatens not just her Head Girl candidacy but her entire sense of self-worth. Her anger at Principal Gallagher shows a new assertiveness, but her fear of being cast out like Nik reveals deep vulnerability. Her brief doubt about Hani—wondering if their relationship is an act—shows how the accusation has shaken her trust in everything, including the one person who has made her feel seen.

Abbu and Ammu are portrayed as pragmatic but emotionally distant. Abbu's early conversation shows his hope for Ishu's success, but his refusal to attend Nik's wedding reveals a rigid, conditional love. Ammu's attempt to comfort Ishu is undermined by her insistence that they must