“I was born into a liberal family in a very conservative Iran. And so, while girls around me weren’t allowed to do many things, I grew up excelling in sports. And then at 20, I moved to India to pursue my Masters. Here, I saw women riding bikes! I wanted to do that too, and so, I asked my friend to teach me. Riding a two-wheeler made me feel free! The wind playing with my hair…I fell in love with that feeling! And so, I saved up and a year later, bought my own bike! I realized that there was no female bikers community in India. Back then, social media had just started to bloom so I took advantage of it and built a community! I met some strong women, went on multiple trips across the country and learnt so much about India! For the next decade, I juggled between my PhD and biking! And then at 32, I had a new dream–to ride across the 7 continents! But I had met Alex around the same time and I knew if I went on this adventure, our relationship would suffer. And so, I said goodbye to him, not knowing where things would go… But since when did love understand practicality…he followed me! He’d visit me each month in the country I was in. I knew he was the one! Within a year, we tied the knot. As happy as I was to be alongside my soulmate, I had to continue my journey! And so, I set off again the day after our wedding. Alex continued visiting me while I kept ticking places off my list. I even traveled to Antarctica! And just as I was onto my 6th continent, Africa, I realized I was pregnant! As happy as I was about the news, I found myself at a crossroads – I had come this far, I didn't want to give up on my dream. But when I saw the women in the villages of Africa juggling kids, work and travel so effortlessly, I drew inspiration and rubbed my belly and said, 'We can do it too!' And so, after consulting a gynecologist, I decided to go ahead with my trip. I changed my diet, shortened my routes, and slowed my speed, but I kept going! Alex continued visiting me, he’d book my sonography appointments in whichever city I was and would bring me my extra vitamins every month! The nausea did make me feel a little uncomfortable but the drive in me was so strong that I spent 6 months of my pregnancy on the trip! When I finally came back to Delhi, I felt ready for my baby! And then on 6th November 2018, Alex and I welcomed Nafas into the world. Holding her made me emotional – we'd already been on an adventure together, I was excited for more! Nafas is 3 and she already loves bikes! We continue to go on adventures together and she is growing up seeing her Mom never settle. And I hope if and when she finds herself at crossroads – she also puts her happiness over everything else!"