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Harsh Shroff’s Version

I love to ride my bicycle. It's my favorite way to explore the countryside and feel the wind rushing through my hair. One day, as I was cycling through the fields, I came across an old tea shop nestled in the shade of a large oak tree. The shop was run by a kind and older woman named Mrs Jenkins, known throughout the village for her delicious tea and biscuits.

As I rode up to the shop, I noticed that Mrs. Jenkins was sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine and chatting with her customers. She saw me approaching and called out to me, inviting me to join her for a cup of tea. I was delighted by the invitation and quickly parked my bike next to the shop. I sat at the table, and Mrs. Jenkins brought me a steaming cup of tea and a plate of freshly baked biscuits.

As we sipped our tea and chatted, Mrs. Jenkins told me about her love for cycling and how she used to ride her bike all over the countryside when she was younger. She said a bicycle is like a cup of tea. Both require effort, but they can be a source of relaxation and enjoyment once you get going. Just as a bicycle needs to be pedalled to move forward, a cup of tea must be stirred to release its flavors. A bicycle and a cup of tea can take you on a journey, whether a physical journey through the countryside or a mental journey through the soothing effects of a warm beverage. And just as a bicycle can bring people together through the shared experience of a ride, a cup of tea can bring people together through the simple pleasure of conversation over a steaming cup.

I was fascinated by her stories and asked her all sorts of questions about her adventures.

After a while, Mrs Jenkins stood up and announced that it was time for her to return to work. She thanked me for the lovely conversation and gave me a big hug before returning to the shop.

As I rode home that evening, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter with Mrs. Jenkins and the wonderful tea we had shared. I knew I would always treasure the memories of that special afternoon and the bond I had formed with the kind and adventurous older woman.

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Harsh Thakkar’s Take (The OP)

I am engrossed in talking to my students in the office and explaining to them the basics of TOEFL. The help at the office comes and gives me my tea. I am not a fan of tea but it is a convenient and omni-available thing that makes my life easier. Interestingly, the person who gives me tea is sweet and always serves me with a smile and warmth. It is not the warmth of the tea that is comforting but the warmth of that smile that makes me want to have it every day. So here I am, being served a cup of tea.

I completed the explanation and the students that had come go with a big question mark on their faces as to what is that convoluted exam that they opted for and why does it want to mess with them. I focus my efforts on tea. I drink it and it is the perfect temperature that I want to have. Neither too cold nor too hot. It becomes an exciting break to have. As I sip the tea, I ponder how this omnipresent beverage is an uniter of this massive country with language and culture varying at every step of the journey. No matter where you go, you would find a spot that serves tea. It would usually be a roadside stall with a cigarette shop nearby because they go hand in hand. ( Bonus points if you get the visualizing pun) I have seen people of all classes and castes coming there to sit and have that break. This takes me back to a set of classes that took place at a tea stall.

It was the class of psychoanalysis and literature and we were around 6 of us including the professor. We were just talking about various things and of course, that included the course elements too. It was seamless and smooth. What was so interesting about that place that it felt like a refreshing experience and not like the usual class? I think it is a relaxed feeling. Here you are talking to your teacher who is sipping the same tea in the same glass glass (reply with a “hi “if you understood why double glass :P) as you are. There are a few other people too but you are unbothered by that. It is a liberating feeling.

What is more interesting is how that tea stall makes an ample amount of money that sometimes, it transforms into a massive two-storey tea house. But some things remain the same. They would still deliver the tea to their customers via a cycle. The delivery person would go on a cycle and depending on the standard and the cost of the tea, it would be in different packaging that would range from a simple plastic bag to a proper thermos. The cycle becomes the vehicle of break. For everyone. The delivery person gets a ride of leisure. He can get a minute or two for himself and sometimes can also excuse themselves for five more minutes as the ride can be interesting and liberating. The person who ordered is called out from the setting to receive the order and that process of drinking tea has broken the humdrum.

Additionally, the tea on cycle also becomes the kickstarter of many people. Many vendors have a cycle and they serve tea, coffee, bournvita, idli, and medu vada and pretty much anything they want on it. And you thought that only Doreamon could remove things from his pocket! The morning starts after a cup of tea with idli and sambar. If you are lucky, you also get chutney. And unlike the common scepticism, they are hygienic enough to eat and do not cause any issue provided you have normal immunity.

Share Harsh’s Writings

So what is tea? It is a break. It is an emotion that many people swear by. It is a means of livelihood for a million people. it is a conversation starter. Also, an ender if you drop it on someone. It is a simple liquid made by tea leaves and other ingredients and most importantly, a craving for a break. And no, do not believe an occasional tea drinker who drinks it just for convenience and semi-laziness. Ask many tea lovers or maybe the OG chaiwala who is running the country. You might get an answer what is the power of tea.

Oh. Maybe that is why India has always (pretended to have) good relations with China. It is dudh chai ka karz.


That is it for this time.

Love,
Harsh

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