My childhood was eventful. I was born in Gujarat, West Punjab (now in Pakistan) in 1925 and I spent my growing-up years shuttling between Delhi and Shimla. It was very exciting, as I was always travelling in trains and discovering something new during these trips. I went to school in Delhi and Shimla and completed my higher studies from Lahore.

We were four siblings — three sisters and a brother — and we had a happy life. We had just the right mix of freedom and discipline. Our parents were loving without being indulgent. They granted our wishes and demands only when they saw reason enough to do so.

In those times there was no television or radio, and our only source of entertainment was books. I remember my father reading out stories to us late into the night. As kids, we shared a great bond with our parents and Sundays were spent either in chatting with them or going out for picnics.

I had a delightful time growing up in Shimla, as the town would turn picturesque with winter snowfall. We spent hours playing in the snow. Studies always spelt trouble for me, and honestly, I disliked it very much. But I was a voracious reader. I read everything that I found and gradually my love for books became so strong that I knew that I could only be a writer. I also enjoyed outdoor sports and played hockey in Talkatora Gardens, New Delhi. My favourite outdoor activity was horse-riding. I absolutely love horses. It’s a majestic animal and the thrill of riding at top speed with the wind caressing your face can never be felt while travelling in a car or on a motorcycle.

I grew up in turbulent times, at the time of Independence and Partition. I consider myself lucky as those myriad experiences have only made me a richer and more resourceful person. One of the most memorable experiences of my younger days was seeing Mahatma Gandhi in Shimla. The moment I saw him, I knew why he was called ‘Mahatma’.

We had one pet grouse in Shimla, though: the fact that we were never allowed to enter Blessington Ice Skating Rink, which was just a five-minute walk from our home. Indians were not allowed inside. I learnt about discrimination early in my life. It left a deep imprint on my mind.