Women’s History Month celebrates the women who play an important role in our lives. The Sidekick staff designer Ahana Roy expresses her gratitude for her mother, Indrani Roy. Photo courtesy Indrani Roy

Tui amar jaan.

A mix of Bengali and Hindi combined translating to, “You are my life.”

Hearing these words from my mom and being greeted in a tight hug from her was all it took for my mood to instantly brighten.

Ever since I was young, I have always been inseparable from my mom, Indrani Roy, and the same goes for her from me. She is the only person in the world who has put me as her priority above anyone and anything else.

When my mom was pregnant with me, she would get mad at anyone who would say she was going to have a baby boy. She tells me she always wanted a daughter who she could dress up and play with — and she did just that. Every day after work, she would come home with a new toy and dress for me when we lived in Kolkata, India.

You’re my only daughter, I want to pamper you!

My mom knows every one of my preferences. She takes time to make me food that she knows I love; she is the best chef I know. When she goes out shopping, she buys anything for me that she thinks I would like. She has also never let me do a chore until I was in high school to prepare for living alone.

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Women’s History Month celebrates the women who play an important role in our lives. The Sidekick staff designer Ahana Roy expresses her gratitude for her mother, Indrani Roy. Photo courtesy Biswadip Roy

Aside from being my mom, she was also my teacher. She taught me how to read and write English prior to moving to America, my multiplication tables and order of operations prior to starting elementary school. I give her some credit for my love of math today. To this day, she is still my teacher, guiding me with basic life skills I will need for college, such as cooking and driving.

Sometimes when studying, my mom will call me downstairs to show me something. I will then head downstairs and she will reveal an Instagram reel of a piglet or monkey, giggle and say it reminded her of me.

My mom is my friend and confidant. Every shopping spree, movie night and dinner out with her are priceless moments to me. She is there to make me laugh and share joy with me, but whenever I am upset or stressed, she is there to listen and console me. She gives me advice and solutions to nearly all of my problems.

The thought of me going to college or far away is enough to bring her to tears. But no matter where I am, my mom will always be my best friend and the most influential person in my life.

She will always support me, no matter what, and I know she will always be on my side — even if no one else is.

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