Rishi finds Ashish backstage and thinks, “I’ve made him defensive by constantly judging his choices because they aren’t the ones I’d make” (313). Ashish admits to liking Celia but tells Rishi he doesn’t need a lecture about her “suitability,” and Rishi thanks Ashish for his help with the dance and his support of himself and Dimple. Rishi apologizes for judging Ashish and admits that he’s always been envious of Ashish because he’s so sure of himself and what he wants, “even if it wasn’t anything Ma or Pappa ever encouraged” (314). He tells Ashish to fight for Celia if he really likes her. Ashish thanks Rishi and says he really likes Dimple.

Max tells the Aberzombies they can’t perform drunk, but Hari reminds him of his influential and wealthy parents, and Max lets them perform. They dance and gyrate to “Sexy Heat,” but at a moment when Celia and Isabelle are supposed to dance close together, Celia backs away. Evan says something to her onstage, and Celia pushes him, yelling “Screw you!” and runs offstage. Celia cries in Dimple’s arms while the Aberzombies yell at Celia. Evan calls Celia a misogynistic slur, and Ashish punches him.