A chai tale:
Are you a chai lover? Do you yearn for a cup of tea no matter what the season is, even in scorching summers? If so, then you might just be a legend, like me. Chai holds a special place in my heart, even in the blistering heat of Hyderabad.
Allow me to take you on a journey through my love for chai, my quest to find the perfect cup, and the magical encounter with a Rajasthani couple selling chai in the heart of the city.
I was born in Hyderabad, a city renowned for its Zafrani chai, pearls, Biryani, and the iconic Charminar. However, due to my father's central government job, my childhood and youth were spent in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Every summer, my family and I would pack our bags and embark on a journey to my Nani's house in Hyderabad, with a stopover in Vishakhapatnam to visit our extended family. These trips were filled with joy and served as a break from our daily routines in Bilaspur.
Amma's Chai:
Those were indeed the golden days. However, as time passed, I found myself in Hyderabad once again, this time for my job. Now, at the age of 24, I cannot resist the temptation of indulging in a warm beverage every evening. Growing up in a household influenced by both South and North Indian cultures, I've come to appreciate that the North makes the best chai while the South boasts exceptional filter coffees.
Back home, my mother, lovingly referred to as Amma, brews the most exquisite "adrak wali chai" that my father, sister, and I eagerly await every evening. However, living away from home, I find myself missing not only my Amma's chai but also the unique aroma of "Tandoori Chai" found in North India.
The Quest for Perfect Chai:
Determined to find that perfect cup of Tandoori Chai, my sister and I embarked on a chai-tasting adventure throughout Hyderabad. We explored numerous tea stalls, hoping to discover the taste we had been longing for. However, disappointment awaited us at every turn, as none could replicate the unique flavors of Tandoori Chai. Feeling disheartened, I called my mother to complain about the absence of Tandoori Chai in her city. Amma chuckled on the phone, teasing me about finally realizing the value of her handmade chai.
An Unexpected Encounter:
[This picture is copied from the internet]
One fine evening, as rain fell softly from the sky, my sister and I decided to seek solace in a nearby chai stall we had never visited before. With limited expectations, we ordered two cups of chai from a couple hailing from Rajasthan who had recently started selling their tea in Hyderabad. Didi, the wife, gracefully served us, adorned in a traditional Rajasthani saree, a mangal sutra, and sindoor adorning her maang. She handed us our cups of chai with a smile, saying, "Ye lo aapki chai."
As Didi served us our cups of chai, we took our first sips with curiosity. To our astonishment, it tasted exactly like the perfect "Tandoori wali Chai" we had been longing for. It was a moment of sheer bliss. We couldn't help but appreciate the couple's attire and the aura of their "chai thella," which carried the essence of Northern Rajasthani style. Bhaiya, her husband, prepared the chai on a small gas stove, skillfully combining chai patti, adrak, elaichi, and sweetening it with chini. The aroma of these flavors enveloped us, instantly transporting us back to the comfort of our homes.
With each sip, my stress melted away, and memories of my Amma's chai and the chai from my hometown flooded my mind. I turned to my sister and exclaimed, "Kuch toh baat hai inke chai mein," expressing my delight in Telugu.
Indeed, there was magic in their chai. The ambiance, coupled with the presence of Didi and Bhaiya, evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the Northern vibes in the heart of a Southern state.
Their young child would play nearby, adding to the charm of their stall. I struck up a conversation with the adorable boy, brimming with energy and joy. Together, my sister and I recognized the uniqueness and deliciousness of Didi and Bhaiya's chai, which delighted them to hear.
The Journey of the Chai Walla's:
[This picture is copied from the internet]
I asked Didi about their story about selling chai in the southern state. Didi was explaining to us that they belong to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. 10 years ago, Bhaiya arrived in Hyderabad and worked in a jewel shop. He was earning well enough, but somewhere he was not enjoying himself. He wanted to set up his own small, traditional business. One of his friends approached him; later, he left his job in a jewel shop and started setting up his chai stall and selling chai. Didi says she is happy with Bhaiya after marriage as he is responsible for the family and they are leading a much better life after having a baby boy.
The Magic of Chai:
Didi revealed that around 200 people visits their stall every day, but to us, it became a special place. We made it a daily ritual to visit their stall, savoring the flavors of their chai. The small chai spot became our sanctuary, a place where we found solace, joy, and the company of each other. Whether we were battling a headache, feeling down, or celebrating life's moments, we knew we could find respite and comfort in a cup of their chai.
Sipping chai is more than just drinking a beverage; it is an emotional experience. It brings people together, allowing them to share stories, laughter, and cherished moments. My encounters with the Rajasthani couple and their exceptional chai became a tale of finding home away from home. Their passion, dedication, and the flavors of their chai not only brought me joy but also reminded me of the love and warmth I left behind. So, next time you sip your cup of chai, remember the magic it holds and the stories it weaves.
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