The pursuit of Happiness: Rohit Bal, designer

I've always been a people person and I love people, but I find that being on my own - maybe with a very close friend or two - is something I enjoy the most. The last thing I want to do is go to a party, but it's not like I'd like to become a recluse. I do want to share my life with people.

In fact, I'm in the process of writing two books, one of which is a narrative about my life, interwoven with the evolution of Indian fashion over the last 25 years. But when you have led a full life and continue to do so, something you yearn for the most is getting time out for yourself. Having been able to lead my life on my own terms is the biggest achievement I could have asked for.

I was in Goa recently for over a month on my own, and though some people came and went, I stayed on. It was simply blissful. The happiest time of my life? I'm living it right now.