The Girl He Left Behind by Shilpa Suraj Read Free Book Online Page A

dream, isn’t it? That you’ll meet this guy who is incredibly handsome, sexy, intelligent, rich and powerful and he will fall madly in love with you. Then the two of you will live happily ever after with him cherishing every moment he spends with you etc. etc.’ Tara grinned ‘I don’t think there is a woman alive who can turn away completely from the fantasy, boss, which is probably why the romantic fiction genre is alive and kicking.’
    ‘Are women really that dense?’ Adarsh wondered aloud only to realize he should have left that thought unspoken. Avoiding the glares aimed at him from the two women, he addressed Ryan. ‘Haven’t we moved on from this? Aren’t women today more self-aware and focused on their individuality? Instead of looking for Mr. Right, they are willing to open their minds to the possibility of finding a partner who complements their personality and makes them happy. I’ve read the manuscript too and are you telling me that the only guy women want is the one who masterfully sweeps them into his arms and into his bed. I have to say leaving the possibility of back problems or tripping and falling flat on your face aside, it rather undermines the whole women’s lib movement doesn’t it?’
    Sidestepping that landmine, Ryan continued ‘Leaving ideologies out of it, I was thinking we should take advantage of the fact that we are looking at selling that fantasy. Expanding on Sonia’s idea, maybe as part of the prize, the winner could havethe female protagonist named after her and be featured on the cover of the book as well?’
    ‘What if it’s a guy or a woman who doesn’t, err, fit the requirements of the heroine, physically I mean?’
    ‘The odds are rather low that it will be a guy but even if it is he could be the male protagonist and maybe the cover picture could just have the side profile of their face to indicate the likeness. We can work around those issues graphically, can’t we Adarsh?’
    ‘Sure boss. That shouldn’t be an issue. What might be an issue is getting the author to agree to it.’
    ‘That’s going to be a battle. Let’s sell it to these guys first and then work out a way to pitch it to the author. Are there any other ideas to be discussed?’
    They wrapped up twenty minutes later and were leaving the conference room when Ryan heard his name being called out. Turning, he saw Nisha Malik make her way across the room. In navy blue trousers and a crisp white shirt, her hair pulled back in a high ponytail, she made an arresting picture – part efficiency and part banked sexuality.
    ‘Maybe that’s the angle you need to pitch your idea from.’ Adarsh murmured before deserting him.
    ‘Nisha, how are you?’ Smiling his greeting, Ryan started to propel her away from all the avid stares. He could still feel the eyes boring into his back as they left the floor and headed towards the bank of elevators.
    ‘I’m doing great. I was hoping I’d run into you so we could have a cup of coffee together. We didn’t get much of a chance to talk during that meeting.’
    It was going to be really hard to delude himself about the invitation in her eyes. Groaning inwardly, he plastered a smile on his face before looking down at her. ‘Coffee sounds great. Why don’t you order and settle in at a table at the cafeteria?I just need to drop by my office and send a few emails. I’ll be there in about ten minutes?’
    After seeing her to the door of the cafeteria, he backtracked to his cabin. Dumping his laptop there, he hurried across to Minty’s cabin looking to be rescued. Minty looked up startled when he burst into her room with a slightly crazed look in his eye.
    ‘Do you remember the time that guy at college was hassling you about that hideous outfit you were wearing?’
    ‘Umm yes but polka dots were in fashion then and I thought it was a very pretty outfit.’ Minty replied defensively.
    ‘Polka dots and frills? Nothing can make that combination pretty! Anyway, do you