Aishwarya Character Analysis in The City We Became

A cousin of one of Padmini’s parents, Aishwarya lives with her husband, her child, and Padmini in Jackson Heights, Queens. After Padmini leaves Queens with Manny and Brooklyn, Paolo comes looking for them. Aishwarya tells Paolo that Manny, Brooklyn, and Padmini have found one another and are searching for the Bronx’s avatar Bronca, a revelation that prompts Paolo’s decision to go find Staten Island’s avatar, Aislyn.

Aishwarya Character Timeline in The City We Became

The timeline below shows where the character Aishwarya appears in The City We Became. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Beliefs, Concepts, and Stereotypes Theme Icon

Padmini runs down her apartment stairs, startling Aishwarya Aunty, and pictures equations rendering the fastest trip to the pool. She’s suddenly transported to... (full context)

...Brooklyn gives Manny a suspicious look and asks why Padmini was safe in her apartment. Aishwarya, standing protectively near Padmini, seconds the question. Manny directs the others to examine Padmini’s building:... (full context)

Padmini agrees with Brooklyn that they should rest and suggests separating for the night. Aishwarya cuts in that it’s stupid for them to split up when under attack. Then Padmini... (full context)

Aishwarya invites Brooklyn and Manny to stay, since her and Padmini’s apartment is protected. Manny suggests... (full context)

...he’s back in his human body. He falls, smacking his face on the stairs. As Aishwarya helps him up, he hears a voice in his head pointing out that he’s only... (full context)

Aishwarya asks about the vision. Padmini explains they saw a dark subway station where a boy... (full context)

Brooklyn tells Padmini to get her stuff. After Padmini and Aishwarya enter their apartment, Brooklyn asks Manny whether he’s remembered more. Manny thinks he’s trying not... (full context)

Padmini and Aishwarya come out of the apartment. Padmini, Manny, and Brooklyn get a Lyft. Manny, stunned by... (full context)

When Paolo reaches the top apartment, a 40ish woman (Aishwarya) opens the door. When he says he’s São Paolo—not anticipating an American will recognize the... (full context)

Paolo is shocked that the “Enemy ha[s] reactualized harbingers already.” He asks about the woman. Aishwarya asks why she should tell him anything. When he says he wants to help, she... (full context)

...is glad three boroughs are protecting each other but notes that that leaves two unprotected. Aishwarya tells him that Padmini, Manny, and Brooklyn were planning to find the Bronx in the... (full context)

Paolo gives Aishwarya a business card, asks her to give his number to Padmini the next time they’re... (full context)

While Bronca unlocks her car, Padmini talks to Aishwarya on the phone, telling her to get the family out of the city. Brooklyn calls... (full context)

...City’s avatar on the boardwalk, where he’s watching Jojo, Padmini, and Veneza play Marco Polo. Aishwarya, her husband, Bronca, and Manny are sitting on the beach. Manny, realizing the avatar is... (full context)