Memories of chai… what that cup of tea has meant to me **
Back in the day, there would be a time, as any kid would confess,
When all and sundry around the house, would stop all deeds to take a rest.
A tray full of biscuits, some namkeen and sweets would always appear.
A mini picnic in the living room, or on the terrace when the weather was fair.
And the grandparents and parents, aunts and uncles passing by
Would sit around and nestle their cups, as conversations and laughs grew high,
The question of course on everyone’s mind was always, “Aur ek cup ho jaye?”
What seemed to be a simple mix of water, tea leaves, milk and sugar,
Apparently could be brewed a million ways, each leaving a different flavor.
Sugar less, or more; milky light or strong, each cup had its own formula
“I’ll make my own” said one aunt, while another said “Bas jaldi le aa!”
I’ve grown up now into a coffee girl; I need my daily caffeine fix (or two)
But there are times (the dreadful times) when only masala chai will do!
When I’m sniffling, and sneezing and a sore throat is sure to get me down,
There’s something so very comforting, in that cup of liquid brown.
In earthen ware, a terracotta kulhar, a ceramic beauty or even a simple glass
A simmering brew of masala chai, is what my soul needs to purr in peaceful “Aah”s!
So here’s to this humble cup of desi chai, and all that it can brighten,
A gup-shup session, a morning foggy mind, or even a memory long forgotten.
The blacks, greens, whites, and all the other cousins of chai that now exist,
All pale in comparison, sadly still to this delightful heavenly milky mix.
“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.”
~William E Gladstone
** This post is written as part of the CHAI-A-THON blog hop hosted by the gorgeous #Momsteins. We’re having a virtual tea party to celebrate International Tea Day on 15th December.
Thanks, Shalu from The Dreamer Mum, for introducing me in your tea-story…
Next stop on the train is my fellow blogger and friend Dilpreet’s post over on Bhangra Babies. Do read about her wonderful ‘tea memory’!
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