A meeting with my father is like having an audience with the Pope. EN came, and my mother offered him Channel Bleu, and I offered a green corduroy hat. Unsurprisingly, he blew away that meeting. I fought with him- something I love to do and I miss the most- fighting with Ezra. I believe, most probably, Channel Bleu was sacrificed, and the green hat was orphaned. Last year, I was able to rescue the hat among other exchanges.

In 2012, I was staying with my cousin and his family in Islamabad. He just returned to Pakistan after serving as an ambassador in Argentina, and his daughters were fluent in Spanish and French. I was about to leave for Berlin. We spent most of our time watching films and discussing life away from Pakistan. One of his daughters suggested that we watch the film Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky (2009). Perhaps fewer films have left such an impression on me. I was stunned by their relationship. As a single woman, she ruled the high society and fashion industry in Paris and unapologetically lived life on her terms. She not only had an affair with Stravinsky but also looked after him, housed him and his wife and children, as his patron. I am but the dust of her feet; however, after many years of trying to fit in and being ashamed of my choices, I have come to embrace myself fully, unashamedly. With gratitude to my enemies- they have returned me to me.