First Day, New Beginnings

Ananth Khatri, a sensitive and idealistic young man, begins his first day at WeDonate, a pioneering Indian crowdfunding platform. His loving but modest parents fuss over him, reflecting their hopes and anxieties for his future. Ananth's desire is to join the medical team, helping those in dire need, but he's instead assigned to the entertainment division, a decision that leaves him disillusioned. The chapter sets up Ananth's internal conflict between personal ambition and the realities of organizational priorities, while also introducing the familial warmth and understated struggles that shape his worldview.

Crowdfunding and Moral Dilemmas

WeDonate's mission is to connect those in need with donors, but the process is fraught with ethical questions. Ananth learns that not all campaigns are equal—some are for life-saving surgeries, others for creative projects. The tension between using resources for entertainment versus urgent medical needs becomes a recurring debate. The chapter explores how stories are crafted to elicit empathy and donations, and how the act of giving is often as much about the donor's feelings as the recipient's needs. Ananth's discomfort grows as he witnesses the commodification of suffering and the transactional nature of online charity.

The Reluctant Writer

Anusha Sardana, a sharp-tongued, skeptical young woman, joins WeDonate's medical team as a writer. Initially dismissive of the emotional labor involved, she's tasked with editing and rewriting heart-wrenching stories to maximize donations. Her own life, marked by loss and social isolation, makes her wary of sentimentality. Yet, as she immerses herself in the stories of patients and their families, she's forced to confront her own capacity for empathy and the blurred line between truth and effective storytelling. Anusha's journey is one of reluctant transformation, as she grapples with the ethics of manipulating narratives for a greater good.

Viral Love and Second Chances

A self-shot video by Mohini, confessing her love for Ananth, goes viral, catapulting him to micro-celebrity status. The video's emotional honesty galvanizes public support, leading to a successful crowdfunding campaign for Ananth's life-saving surgery. The unexpected fame brings both opportunity and scrutiny, as Ananth is recruited by WeDonate to leverage his influence for good. The chapter explores the power of digital storytelling, the performative aspects of online identity, and the ways in which private emotions are commodified for public consumption. Ananth's second chance at life is inextricably linked to the narrative Mohini creates.

The Medical Team's Burden

Inside WeDonate, the medical team is a world apart—overworked, emotionally exhausted, and haunted by the stories they curate. Rachita, the team's de facto leader, embodies the cost of constant exposure to suffering. The team's work is both vital and draining, as they navigate the fine line between compassion and burnout. The chapter delves into the psychological impact of vicarious trauma, the necessity of boundaries, and the ways in which the team copes (or fails to cope) with the relentless demands of their roles. The specter of past tragedies, including a colleague's suicide, looms large.

Stories That Save Lives

Anusha's task is to rewrite two failed campaigns—a girl with cancer and a young man named Gautam in a coma. She learns that the difference between life and death can hinge on the details of a story: omitting a sibling, emphasizing a parent's sacrifice, or reframing a patient's past. The process is both creative and ruthless, as Anusha manipulates facts to maximize impact. The chapter interrogates the morality of such choices, the complicity of donors in seeking "worthy" victims, and the uncomfortable truth that storytelling is often a matter of survival.

The Troll and the Outcast

Gautam, a once-beloved friend and talented photographer, becomes a notorious Twitter troll, alienating everyone around him with his caustic, unfiltered posts. His transformation is mysterious and painful for those who knew him, especially his ex-girlfriend Karishma and best friend Arvind. As Anusha investigates his past, she uncovers a trove of photographs that reveal a sensitive, loving soul at odds with his online persona. The chapter explores the duality of public and private selves, the consequences of digital cruelty, and the loneliness that underpins Gautam's rage.

The Anatomy of Hate

Anusha's research into Gautam's life reveals that his hateful tweets were not the result of heartbreak or betrayal, but of a brain tumor affecting his empathy. The revelation reframes his actions, challenging the notion of personal responsibility and the capacity for forgiveness. The chapter examines the ripple effects of online hate, as those targeted by Gautam—like comedian Amit Modi—struggle to rebuild their lives. The narrative interrogates the limits of empathy, the ease with which society cancels individuals, and the possibility of redemption.

The Power of Narrative

The team at WeDonate realizes that stories are not just tools for fundraising—they shape destinies. Anusha and Rachita collaborate on a video campaign for Gautam, blending fact and fiction to create a compelling plea for help. The video's success demonstrates the power of narrative to change hearts, mobilize resources, and rewrite reputations. Yet, the process is fraught with ethical ambiguity, as the line between truth and performance blurs. The chapter reflects on the responsibilities of storytellers and the ways in which narratives can both heal and harm.

Unmasking the Past

Parallel to the main plot, Mohini's backstory unfolds: her father's betrayal, the shattering of her idealism, and her transformation from Anusha to Mohini. The trauma of discovering her father's double life leaves her distrustful and emotionally guarded. Ananth's own past is marked by loss and longing, as he seeks meaning in service and connection. The chapter explores how personal histories inform present choices, the inheritance of pain, and the struggle to forge new identities in the aftermath of betrayal.

The Truth About Empathy

The revelation that Gautam's cruelty was a symptom of his illness forces his friends and family to reconsider their judgments. Anusha, too, must confront her own assumptions about human nature and the possibility of change. The chapter delves into the neuroscience of empathy, the challenges of forgiving those who have caused harm, and the societal tendency to conflate actions with character. The narrative suggests that true understanding requires both compassion and critical distance.

Love, Lies, and Sacrifice

The viral video that saved Ananth's life is revealed to be a carefully scripted performance, with multiple versions shot by different people. The authenticity of Mohini's love is called into question, as is the very nature of love itself. Ananth grapples with the knowledge that his survival was secured by a lie, while Mohini's mother mourns the cost of her daughter's sacrifice. The chapter interrogates the ethics of deception for a good cause, the performative aspects of love, and the ways in which truth and fiction intertwine.

The Price of Forgiveness

As Anusha is violently attacked by someone whose life was ruined by Gautam's tweets, the consequences of past actions come full circle. The assault leaves her in a coma, mirroring Gautam's earlier condition. The incident forces the characters—and the reader—to confront the complexities of blame, justice, and the possibility of atonement. The chapter explores the cyclical nature of harm, the difficulty of moving on, and the high cost of forgiveness.

The Unseen Cost of Kindness

The caregivers in the story—parents, friends, colleagues—bear the brunt of others' suffering. Mohini's mother, in particular, is left to care for her comatose daughter, haunted by the knowledge that her kindness led to tragedy. The chapter examines the emotional and practical burdens of caregiving, the resentment that can accompany selflessness, and the ways in which acts of kindness can have unintended, even devastating, consequences.

The Audition for Hope

As WeDonate prepares to turn Mohini's story into a film, a nationwide search for the perfect actress unfolds. The process becomes a metaphor for the search for meaning, authenticity, and hope. The auditions reveal the difficulty of capturing the essence of a real person, the subjectivity of interpretation, and the longing for connection that underlies all storytelling. The chapter highlights the communal nature of narrative and the collective investment in stories of redemption.

The Final Cut

The process of editing the film—and the original viral video—becomes a meditation on the nature of memory, truth, and self-representation. Ananth discovers that Mohini's video was not a single, spontaneous act, but the result of countless takes, revisions, and moments of vulnerability. The realization that love can be both real and performed offers a nuanced perspective on authenticity and the ways in which we curate our own stories.

Redemption and New Stories

In the aftermath of trauma and loss, the characters find ways to move forward. Ananth and Mohini's story, though marked by pain and ambiguity, becomes a source of inspiration for others. The film's release sparks new conversations about empathy, forgiveness, and the power of narrative to effect change. The chapter suggests that redemption is not a destination, but an ongoing process of self-discovery and connection.

The Beginning, Not the End

The story closes with a sense of open-endedness, as the characters continue to grapple with the consequences of their choices. The act of storytelling itself is framed as an act of hope—a way to make sense of suffering, to honor the past, and to imagine a better future. The final message is one of resilience, humility, and the enduring human need to be seen, heard, and understood.

Characters

Ananth Khatri

Ananth is the emotional core of the novel—a young man shaped by familial love, personal loss, and a deep desire to do good. His journey is one of disillusionment and growth, as he confronts the complexities of charity, the limits of empathy, and the ambiguity of love. Ananth's relationships—with his parents, with Mohini, and with his colleagues—reveal his vulnerability and his capacity for forgiveness. His development is marked by a gradual acceptance of imperfection, both in himself and in others, and a commitment to finding meaning in service and connection.

Anusha Sardana / Mohini

Anusha, later known as Mohini, is a fiercely intelligent, emotionally guarded woman whose skepticism masks a deep well of pain. Her father's betrayal and her mother's isolation have left her distrustful and self-reliant. Through her work at WeDonate, she is forced to confront the suffering of others and her own capacity for kindness. Her relationship with Ananth is complex—rooted in both genuine affection and performative necessity. Anusha's journey is one of reluctant vulnerability, as she learns to balance honesty with hope, and self-preservation with self-sacrifice.

Rachita Somani

Rachita is the backbone of the medical team at WeDonate—a woman whose dedication to saving lives is matched only by the toll it takes on her. Haunted by past failures and the suicide of a colleague, Rachita embodies the cost of caring too much. Her friendship with Anusha is both supportive and challenging, as she pushes Anusha to confront her own feelings and ethical boundaries. Rachita's development is a testament to the resilience required to persist in the face of relentless suffering.

Saraansh Gupta

Saraansh is a young, privileged filmmaker whose initial motivations are self-serving, but who becomes deeply invested in the stories he's tasked with telling. His journey is one of humility and growth, as he learns to listen, to empathize, and to honor the experiences of others. Saraansh's relationship with Ananth and Mohini is transformative, as he moves from observer to participant, and from cynic to believer in the power of narrative.

Ganesh Acharya

Ganesh is the HR manager at WeDonate, a man who wants to do good but is often hamstrung by organizational politics and limited authority. He serves as a sounding board for Ananth and others, offering practical advice and emotional support. Ganesh's role highlights the challenges of effecting change within institutions and the importance of small acts of kindness.

Sarita Sharan

Sarita is the founder and driving force behind WeDonate—a woman of formidable intellect and ambition. She is both admired and feared by her team, and her decisions often reflect the tension between scaling impact and maintaining integrity. Sarita's character is a study in leadership, compromise, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in doing good at scale.

Gautam / Ananth (pre-surgery)

Gautam is a tragic figure—a gifted photographer whose life is derailed by illness and misunderstood by those around him. His transformation from beloved friend to reviled troll is both a mystery and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pain and the limits of empathy. Gautam's story is a meditation on the nature of identity, the impact of disease on personality, and the possibility of redemption.

Karishma Jaiswal

Karishma is Gautam's ex-girlfriend and Arvind's partner—a woman caught between past and present loyalties. Her relationship with Gautam is marked by both deep affection and necessary boundaries. Karishma's perspective offers insight into the challenges of loving someone who is suffering, the difficulty of letting go, and the importance of self-care.

Arvind Mohan

Arvind is Gautam's former best friend, whose life is upended by Gautam's online attacks. His struggle to forgive and move on is emblematic of the broader themes of the novel: the complexity of friendship, the pain of betrayal, and the possibility of healing. Arvind's journey is one of cautious optimism, as he learns to balance loyalty with self-preservation.

Amit Modi

Amit is a comedian whose career and reputation are destroyed by Gautam's tweets. His descent into obsession and eventual violence is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of digital cruelty. Amit's character is a study in the corrosive effects of resentment, the dangers of unchecked anger, and the tragic outcomes of unresolved pain.

Plot Devices

Dual Narratives and Shifting Perspectives

The novel employs a multi-perspective structure, alternating between Ananth, Anusha, and other key characters. This device allows for a nuanced exploration of events, as each character's version of reality is shaped by their own biases, traumas, and desires. The shifting viewpoints create dramatic irony, invite empathy, and challenge the reader to question the reliability of any single narrative.

The Power and Ethics of Storytelling

Central to the plot is the idea that stories can save lives—but only if they are told well. The crafting, editing, and sometimes fabrication of narratives is both a practical necessity and a moral quandary. The novel interrogates the ethics of manipulating truth for a good cause, the performative nature of online identity, and the ways in which stories can both heal and harm.

Foreshadowing and Reveals

The narrative is rich with foreshadowing—early references to trauma, betrayal, and hidden motives are gradually unpacked as the story unfolds. Key revelations, such as the true cause of Gautam's behavior or the authenticity of Mohini's love, are withheld until pivotal moments, heightening emotional impact and inviting re-evaluation of earlier events.

Metafiction and Self-Referentiality

The process of making a film about Mohini's life becomes a metaphor for the act of storytelling itself. Auditions, edits, and script revisions mirror the characters' attempts to make sense of their own experiences. The novel is self-aware, frequently drawing attention to the artifice of narrative and the impossibility of capturing the full truth.

Symbolism of Illness and Recovery

Illness—both physical (coma, cancer, brain tumor) and psychological (trauma, burnout)—serves as a metaphor for the characters' emotional states. Recovery is depicted as a communal effort, requiring both personal resilience and the support of others. The cycles of illness and healing underscore the themes of vulnerability, interdependence, and hope.

Analysis

Wish I Could Tell You is a contemporary exploration of empathy, storytelling, and the messy, often contradictory nature of human connection in the digital age. Through its interwoven narratives, the novel interrogates the ethics of charity, the performative aspects of online identity, and the ways in which personal pain can both isolate and unite. At its heart, the book is a meditation on the power of stories—not just to raise money or awareness, but to shape lives, forge relationships, and offer redemption. It challenges readers to consider the limits of forgiveness, the cost of kindness, and the possibility of change, even in the face of overwhelming suffering. Ultimately, the novel suggests that while truth is elusive and love is complicated, the act of reaching out—of telling and listening to each other's stories—is itself an act of hope and resistance.

Last updated: May 17, 2025