Q. What prompted you to write this book?
A. While working in Mumbai, I used to spot a lady in a balcony every day on my way to work. I was fascinated by her appearance and personality. I used to talk about her physicality and sensuousness with my colleagues. This woman inspired me to write this novel. My protagonist is a middle-aged Gujarati housewife Meera Patel, who’s fearless in seeking the fulfillment of her desires — both emotional and physical. I have touched upon factors like marital rape, sex and physical desires through this story, which are still taboo topics in India. The story is much deeper; erotica is just the language to express and carry the story forward.

Sreemoyee Kundu, the author of Sita’s Curse

Q. Given the Indian society, talking about Indian women’s desires must have been a little tough?
A. Up to an extent, yes. But I think it’s not limited to Indian women only. The journey of women all around the world is the same. No matter whether she is an Indian, African or American, employed, or a housewife; she has to face some kind of struggle in her life. Women can’t speak about their physical desires freely, anywhere. In India, too, our conditioning is such that we hide our desires and I think, that is the root cause of several problems. Women should stand up for what they feel.