From the authors to the authors: our own tiny love stories

To Anushka De, From Oishee Misra

The first time we interacted, I remember thinking, Aww, she’s so cute. 

Yet looking back, I’m a little irritated at my past self for using such a mediocre, somewhat meaningless adjective. Sure, you’re cute. But you’re so much more. 

You’re passionate, inspiring, intelligent, talented, and of course, so f–king funny. 

I love that we can talk (and write) about anything — whether that’s sour gummy worms or economics or boys or female masturbation (did we really write a story about that?). 

I love that your passion for writing and journalism mirrors mine — thank you for believing in me, in my abilities, even when I don’t believe in me. When we talk, your excitement and infectious energy seem to make both our insecurities dissipate, and it seems possible, even probable, that our big dreams will one day come true. Maybe I will write New York Times book reviews for your bestsellers someday. 

I love that you can make me laugh until I can’t breathe. Living in the midst of a pandemic is so challenging that even calling it challenging has, in a sense, become a cliché. But your smile is contagious. And your jokes — even when they’re as weird as asking me to export a file with the correct bleed settings for you and having “i am bleeding” as your email subject line — are my silver linings. 

I grew up an only child, and I’ve always wanted a little sister. Thank you for being the little sister I never had. 

I love you. 

To Oishee Misra, From Anushka De

To say I met you for the first time in A111 on my first day of sophomore year would be incorrect. The first time I met you was in a column I read freshman year, late at night, when I really should have been studying for a math test. It seems almost poetic that one day I will be reading your columns in the New York Times. 

Your words were an inspiration to me long before you were, but ironically, no words could ever do you justice. As a journalist, I admire your persistence in learning every perspective, your passion to cover the stories that count and the grace with which you cover even the most nuanced and complex topics. As a person, I am inspired by your humility, your kindness and your incredible ability to uplift everyone around you. 

Thank you for making me randomly burst into laughter— I know you thought that email was funny — and for getting excited about the same things I do. Thank you for your unending guidance, your constant support and for showing me what kind of person I want to be. 

From sour gummy worms delivered to your doorstep before 6th period to the rants about the failings of our Sex Ed. curriculum, I have never spent a moment with you I have not loved. Thank you for the endless kindness and advice, for being the big sister I never had and for being the person I strive to be. 

I love you.