'We're very sexual within our bedroom'

Milan feels that yoga gives her a platform to bring out the chemistry between the lovers. "Besides, yoga is very Indian and international too. It also helps me bring out the inner conflict," she said.

The story also explores Indian sentiments. "When an Indian woman falls in love with a younger man, there are a lot of insecurities," she said.

Notes on love-making

As for writing about love making, Milan feels that it is about being articulate.

"It is not about Indians not being good at writing about it. If you are a good writer, you will be able to write about it. You have to do it tastefully. It is part of your narrative process," she said.

Milan also believes that sex is not a taboo in India. "When we think of conservative people, I think it is just the sensibility of what happens in the public space. Within the bedroom, they are very sexual," she said.

Milan feels Indians are extremely romantic. "After I thought about trying for the contest, I happened to listen to the song, Aaj mausum bada beimaan hai. I thought we Indians can even romanticise the weather. I could show the world the romance in India through M&B. These books will also be translated in other languages," she said.

Sisterhood of ideas

"I am fortunate to have a large group of women friends. People talk to me easily. When I hear them, ideas trigger. This helps me spin a yarn," she said.

Milan has been reading M & B since she was 15.

"Even now, I read them between other things. I call them the ultimate relaxation. Here you know that the story always has a happy ending," she said.

Milan's own story

Milan calls her own love story a Mills and Boon tale.

"I met my husband at the age of 17. We both knew we would end up living together but there was no proposal. I married when I was 24 and we have been married for 21 years now. Still we love each other in the same way," she said.

Milan is a mother of two, an 18-year-old and a 11-year-old. "They have been very supportive," she said.

About Milan
Milan is a consultant copywriter and has been a creative director in Saatchi and Saatchi, Bangalore, and JWT, Delhi. She has also written a musical comedy called Maid in India. She has written travelogues, song lyrics and event concepts. This is her first foray into fiction.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!