Chapter summaries If I Tell You the Truth Jasmin Kaur

Chapter 175: him | If I Tell You the Truth

⚠️ 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

Sahaara and her mother return to Vancouver a day later than planned. Since Maasi is working, Sahaara awkwardly calls Jeevan, who skips his morning lecture to pick them up. During the quiet drive home with her mother asleep, Sahaara and Jeevan address the tension since their last conversation. Jeevan says he needed space but never stopped caring. Sahaara laughs at his joke about Sunny the asshole. When they reach home, Sahaara asks for a moment alone with Jeevan. They both admit they want a relationship but speak over each other. Sahaara explains she needs time to get to know herself before she can meet an “us.” Jeevan insists she doesn’t have to heal alone but respects her decision to do this on her own. They almost kiss, but Sahaara pulls away, saying “Not yet” until she is completely ready. She then tells him she almost used his knife, shocking him. The chapter ends with her promising to explain everything at Bear Creek.

Key Events

  • Sahaara and her mother return home a day late; Maasi is unavailable.
  • Jeevan picks them up, having skipped his lecture.
  • During the drive, Jeevan and Sahaara reestablish their connection.
  • Sahaara asks her mother for a moment alone with Jeevan.
  • Sahaara and Jeevan both speak about the relationship; Sahaara states she is not ready.
  • Jeevan says he will wait and respects her need for self-discovery.
  • They almost kiss, but Sahaara stops herself.
  • Sahaara reveals she almost used his knife, hinting at self-harm.
  • The conversation will continue later at Bear Creek.

Character Development

  • Sahaara: Shows growth by prioritizing her own healing over immediate romantic fulfillment. She demonstrates self-awareness and honesty, even when it is painful. Her confession about the knife indicates ongoing trauma and a willingness to be vulnerable with Jeevan.
  • Jeevan: Displays patience and emotional maturity. He does not pressure Sahaara and reaffirms his commitment to her well-being rather than to a relationship timeline. His humor helps ease the tension.
  • Mom (Sahaara’s mother): Though mostly absent in the scene, her earlier advice about taking things slowly influences Sahaara’s decision.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Self-discovery before partnership: Sahaara’s need to know herself first reflects a central theme of healing and identity.
  • Patience and consent: Jeevan’s willingness to wait models a healthy, consensual approach to love.
  • The knife as symbol: The knife represents past self-harm and the ongoing struggle with mental health. Bringing it into the open shows Sahaara’s trust in Jeevan.
  • Risk of love: Both characters acknowledge that love carries potential hurt, but they choose to take that risk mindfully.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in Sahaara’s emotional journey. Instead of rushing into a relationship, she chooses deliberate self-work. The tender, honest exchange between Sahaara and Jeevan strengthens their foundation as friends and potential partners. The revelation about the knife connects Sahaara’s present struggles to earlier trauma, deepening the reader’s understanding of her character. The chapter reinforces the novel’s emphasis on mental health, autonomy, and the importance of being ready before committing to someone else.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Sahaara stop herself from kissing Jeevan? Sahaara stops because she feels she needs to be completely ready before taking that step. She believes that both she and Jeevan deserve a relationship built on a solid, self-aware foundation, not on immediate impulse.

  2. How does Jeevan react when Sahaara says she isn’t ready for a relationship? Jeevan respects her decision immediately. He says he will wait for her and reminds her that she doesn’t have to heal alone, but he accepts her choice to focus on herself.

  3. What is the significance of Sahaara telling Jeevan she almost used his knife? The confession reveals that Sahaara experienced a moment of self-harm temptation during their time apart. By sharing this, she shows deep trust in Jeevan and signals that she is ready to open up about her mental health struggles with him.

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