Why is normal with you the story that's closest to you?

I guess it's because with Normal with You, it was the first time that I placed absolutely no limitations on myself and on my writing.

It was the one book that allowed me sort of cross all my self-imposed boundaries.
When I started it, I never intended for Tasneem to be raped by her brother neither did I think that Zaheer would do those things to his wife and kids. I was genuinely terrified to write about such heavy topics but once I started it just seemed wrong to not truly explore the depths people go to and to truly explore how beautiful human nature can actually be.

We're pretty amazing beings. We can go through the worst kinds of situations and come out even better than we were before. If we truly unlock our potential, we can do anything and overcome any pain and I was truly fascinated with that concept.

That's why I love this book. For me, it allowed me to explore the depths of people's malice and hatred and disgust but also people's love and beauty and purity.