Summary

In Chapter 5, after Neil "returned to Atlanta from debate nationals," he discovered that "Anita and her mother were moving to California" (133). Neil had been struggling emotionally since Shruti's death. "It seemed impossible" to him that life could go on (134).

Shruti's death also altered Neil's relationship with his parents and community.

He visited the Dayals. Anita had not talked to him since Shruti's suicide. He was surprised to find Anjali inside with Pranesh. Anita would not speak to Neil.

One day, Neil and his friends wrote sympathy cards to Shruti's parents. Neil found it difficult.

One night before Anita left, Neil visited her. While her parents had a party, Anita and Neil drank wine in her bedroom. They started kissing and touching. Neil could not stop seeing Shruti instead of Anita. He could hear her voice in the room. While kissing, they talked about...