Chapter 86 (prom) Summary & 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
Chapter 86, titled “prom,” follows the narrator through three distinct song transitions at the prom dance. As the song “electric” by Alina Baraz plays, the narrator consciously refuses to let the moment belong to Sunny – a person from her past. Instead, she reaches for Jeevan, who responds by placing a hand on the small of her back. She notes that her long black dress stands out among the sea of pastel gowns.
When “carry me home” by Jorja Smith begins, the narrator rests her head on Jeevan’s chest. She becomes indifferent to the opinions of onlookers and ceases to care what others think of their relationship or its nature. During the third song, “too good at goodbyes” by Sam Smith, Jeevan leans close to the narrator’s ear so she can hear him over the music. He asks if she will always be by his side. In response, the narrator wipes a tear from his eye.
The chapter captures a sequence of intimate gestures and emotional vulnerability during a public event, marking a significant step in the narrator and Jeevan’s relationship.
Key Events
- The narrator hears “electric” by Alina Baraz and deliberately chooses to associate it with Jeevan rather than Sunny.
- Jeevan places a hand on the narrator’s back during the first dance.
- The narrator describes her black dress as a “sore thumb” among pastel dresses.
- During “carry me home,” the narrator rests her head on Jeevan’s chest and stops caring about the judgment of others.
- As “too good at goodbyes” plays, Jeevan asks the narrator if she will always stay by his side.
- The narrator wipes a tear from Jeevan’s eye, indicating his emotional state.
Character Development
Narrator: The narrator demonstrates agency by refusing to let a song define her past with Sunny. Her gesture of reaching for Jeevan shows active choice. By resting her head on his chest and ignoring observers, she prioritizes her feelings over social appearances. Wiping Jeevan’s tear reveals her capacity for empathy and caretaking within the relationship.
Jeevan: Jeevan initiates physical closeness with a gentle hand on the narrator’s back. His whispered question about the narrator staying by his side shows emotional openness and a desire for long-term reassurance. His tear suggests deep vulnerability, which contrasts with the carefree setting of prom.
Sunny: Though not present, Sunny is referenced through the narrator’s refusal to let the first song belong to him. This implies a past connection that the narrator is now deliberately moving beyond.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Love vs. Pretense: The narrator’s indifference to observers (“didn’t care who was watching”) highlights a theme of genuine emotion overriding external judgment.
- Belonging and Difference: The black dress among pastels symbolizes the narrator’s sense of being out of place, yet she embraces her uniqueness in the context of the dance.
- Music as Emotional Anchor: Each song marks a stage of the evening and carries a specific emotional weight. The narrator reclaims one song from her past, while the final song becomes a backdrop for a commitment question.
- Vulnerability and Trust: Jeevan’s tear and question signal trust. The narrator’s act of wiping his tear shows mutual care.
- Ritual of Prom: The prom setting provides a classic teenage milestone, but the chapter subverts clichés by focusing on quiet, private moments rather than spectacle.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 86 is a critical turning point in the relationship between the narrator and Jeevan. It moves from physical attraction to a deeper emotional bond, evidenced by Jeevan’s request for a future together and the narrator’s compassionate response. The chapter also showcases the narrator’s growth in choosing Jeevan over a past attachment (Sunny) and in not caring about peer opinion. The prom setting contrasts with the weight of the conversation, making the vulnerability more striking. This chapter lays the groundwork for any subsequent conflicts or growth related to their commitment.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does the narrator refuse to let “electric” be Sunny’s song?
The narrator wants to reclaim the song for her current moment with Jeevan rather than let it be associated with her past relationship. This shows her active decision to move forward emotionally.
2. What does Jeevan’s tear and question reveal about his character at this point?
Jeevan’s tear indicates that he is deeply moved by the intimacy of the moment and perhaps anxious about the narrator’s loyalty. His question, “would I always be by his side,” reveals his desire for a permanent commitment and his vulnerability in expressing it.
3. How does the setting of prom contrast with the emotional content of the chapter?
Prom is typically a loud, public, and performative event. However, the narrator and Jeevan create a private bubble – resting heads on chests, whispering, wiping tears. This contrast emphasize that their connection is authentic and not dictated by social expectations.