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A Cuppa Tea Please


A lot has been said about tea. Many a famous and not so famous people have waxed eloquent about the very humble cup of tea. I too need to share my views about this very simple yet significant part of my life. 


I must admit that my tea consumption increased twofold after moving to the UK almost 13 years ago. The ease of preparing tea with a teabag as opposed to the traditional chai patti or tea leaves and the mostly cold, rainy weather are to be conveniently blamed. 


A cup of tea has always been my stress buster whatever the situation in whichever phase of life.  A difficult exam coming up? Tea! An annoying employee just messed up your day? Tea! Your toddler just threw a massive tantrum? Tea! Your baby preferred being a night owl? Tea! You get the drift...I remember an ex boss joking about how I need to be hooked on to an IV machine dispensing tea. Just hearing the kettle come to boil while I almost automatically set my mug in place with the necessary teabag, sugar and milk; makes my brain move into semi relaxed mode. Semi because I can never fully relax. Yes, trying to work on that, Martha!  


I love how tea becomes a conversation starter at social gatherings, meetings or even training sessions. It faithfully warms you up while you try and get comfortable with whoever it is that you’re speaking to. Of course, it is great company in itself too (yay introverts!). 


I have come to perceive tea as a humble weaver of this diverse, often confusing social fabric that we contend with. In India, you see it’s presence at a road side tapri as well as at a fancy cafe located within a posh five star hotel. The concept of ‘high tea’ is very popular where tea is served alongside some ‘heavy snacks’ like Pav Bhaji, ragda pattice and a dessert of course. 


Growing up in Mumbai, the ritual of making tea at home would take place almost like clockwork at 5pm. In Konkani, we term this ‘Taneka’. The varieties of foods during Tanek at home were something else! Poha, Semiya Usli or Upma, Chaat, Bread Pakoras and I can go on and on and on! The whole family used to catch up over cups of tea and delicious food. Oh what I wouldn’t do to be transported back in time to relieve that experience just one more time! 


Life has changed tremendously today and looking after two tiny humans on my own during the day means that I’m just lucky to get my hands on a reheated mug of tea. Looking at the brighter side I’ve found a true chai lover in my husband so anytime is tea time in our house! We share similar sentiments for this ‘cup of elixir’ as we call it with nothing short of reverence. Koi shak? Aana kabhi haveli pe! (Haan haan, post Covid only re baba!). 


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