When I arrived in England, it was not a joyful time for me. Every day, I used to cry and demand that I want to go back to my country, India. As I started to picture on my new life in adopted land, the language, culture, traditions, morals, beliefs, and everyday way of life were totally foreign to me. To assimilate into this new country while still retaining my Bengali culture and beliefs was even harder for me. Later in my life, I occasionally had clashes with my kids and then learned to adjust to their views. 

In my book, it was tough for Samantha, who came to America from India and was determined to preserve her Bengali culture. In All Those Tears We Can’t See, 3rd edition, I took a heartfelt journey through the emotional and cultural challenges of the immigrant experience. The story of Samantha, a Bengali woman pursuing the American Dream in California, with her husband and her daughter Monica, who is caught between her Indian roots and American lifestyle, resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever struggled with identity and belonging. The creation of Samantha evolved through this painful period. 

I endured lots of financial hardship in my life and made a lot of sacrifices, but I knew that all opportunities on the horizon would bring a good life for me and my family. In England, life was very hard. Though I secured a job after learning to speak English but without money and higher education, there was no future. I knew I had to work harder. I used to get up at 6:00, and after finishing my work at Inland Revenue, I travelled to the Swiss Cottage Library to write down the addresses of the Universities for my husband, and after shopping, cooking, and dishes, I started to type. Without a higher education, he will not have a life, in real life, nobody in his field. My husband obtained his Ph.D. degree.  

The place we used to live was a completely blue color neighborhood. My neighbors were lots of fun, though. You could read it on the next page. My life was filled with joy as I was a young and good mom for my firstborn. It was the happiest time for me. Occasionally, I missed my job, though. 

I always loved America- the land of hope, freedom, and fortune. I’m still taken by it. I had a second-hand TV set where I would watch the Dean Martin show every night in London. Every day, I used to think when we would go to America, my dreamland. As I have been staying few years now in England, my belongings from India were diminishing. This time, I did not cry; instead, I was hoping for a better life and higher education in America. My husband did not want to come to America as he liked Canada’s pristine lifestyle, contrary to mine. 

I still remember the first day when we arrived in America. I was overwhelmed with happiness; that feeling, that joy, that dream which I would not be able to describe in words. Looking at the statue of Liberty, like all immigrants, I saw the writings on her torch that brought hope, and that one day I would achieve my American dream. My younger son was born in America, and I am very happy that America is my homeland now. I love India and America. 

I thought that this was the end of my journey, but was I wrong? This was the beginning. People used to say that on every road, there are pieces of gold littered all over America. I did not know they were talking about the time of the gold rush. It was true at that time. For me, it was time to face Reality. I had to make a new plan to achieve the American Dream. To get a decent house in a safe area for my kids, where they could get the best education as well, was not easy. Since my husband and I were not qualified for the loan, we took a second mortgage on the house. One of my friends loaned me the money at a very high interest rate. I started to save every penny by cutting the grass myself in spring, summer, and fall, and raking the leaves in the fall and removing the snow on the long driveway. I have never done any physical work in India or anywhere. It was extremely hot in summer. Cutting grass on one acre of land was very difficult for me, but I did it somehow, thinking about the bright future for my family. 

I also took admission for the Computer Programming degree at that time. Taking care of two kids, a house, shopping, cooking, and studying was very hard for the lazy Indian princess. Finally, a few years later, my kids got into good colleges, my husband was promoted to a good scientist position, and I got my degree and started to work part-time. 

Though all went successfully, my last wish remained unfulfilled, that is to become an accomplished writer, which I love with all my heart. I have just started. Maybe one day I will get a tiny medal {I am just joking}.