Chai

For Indians, tea is undoubtedly the most popular hot beverage. And for a lot of people, it is not just a hot beverage but everyday therapy which gives a beautiful experience. Especially in a chilly winter evening when you push yourself out of the warm blanket just for the love of 'chai'.

What's so special about tea that you can't live even a single day without it? She asked me on a cold winter evening.

For me, it is not just a hot beverage but a therapy, I replied enthusiastically.

Haha! You must be kidding. How can tea be a therapy?

To understand this, you have to experience it the way I experience it.

Can you please elaborate?

Sure! I will love to explain it.

See, it starts right from the moment water is poured in the saucepan to boil. Then I add tea leaves and sugar. For a nice flavoured tea, you add ginger, mint, cardamom and cinnamon or tea masala available accordingly. In the meantime, when it is boiling on medium flame, I love to put my hands above the saucepan to keep myself warm with the steam coming out from it. After a few minutes, I add milk to it. And how mesmerizing it looks when milk is poured slowly all over the saucepan, the way the colour changes from black to brown. For me it one of the best eye tonic. By the time, tea is strained in cups, the entire area is filled with the aroma of tea creating the perfect environment. As I bring the cup of tea closer to my lips, its swirl touches my forehead and soothes the head. The moment I take the first sip, a sensation passes through my whole body, reducing the tiredness of the whole day. With every sip, I start feeling more energetic. And by the time I take the last sip, I feel refreshing, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

The way I explained him the whole process, she was totally awestruck by me and needless to say, she also became a fan of 'chai'.