A Cutting Chai Girl in a World Full of Ventis

Chai! The second-best elixir of life. (Next to water, of-course.)
When I talk about Chai, the first thing that comes to my mind is my mother's homemade pyaali wali chai. My tryst with chai goes way back. Circa, my childhood. That's when it all began. As a kid, I absolutely detested plain milk. (Make no mistake folks, I still do) Making me drink the usual glass of milk was quite a herculean task for my parents. My father would hold my arms and plug my nose, my grandmother held my feet while my mother tried to shove it down my throat, albeit quite unsuccessfully. And it's not even an exaggeration.

They tried so many alternatives to sneak milk into my system.
As a kid, a chocolate flavoured malt was introduced into our household. I have to admit, it was actually quite delicious. But all attempts were futile on the long run. I threw tantrums wanting to sneak a chuski from that tempting cup of chai. So my mother being the smart woman that she is, placebo-ed me by tricking me into making me believe that I drank chai everyday whereas in reality it was only milk with a couple of drops of the decoction. Stone cold betrayal. But still, smart move mumma, smart move.

As I grew older, my glass of milk became a tad duskier. Only by a bit. Just enough to make me think that it was chai and just enough so that the milk didn't lose its nutritional content. My first 'real cup of chai was actually quite a long time after that. And, for the record, I loved every single bit of it.

So what makes chai so enticing? It's bittersweet aroma? The anticipation of the decoction dripping slowly down the filter? My inability to resist temptation? The masala in it? It's undeniable taste. To be a part of the elite chai-drinking-adult club? (It may sound stupid now, but as kids, all we wanted to do was grown-up stuff. Oh how the tables have turned.) Before you come to the conclusion that I'm some sort of chai fanatic, let me assure you; I am. It has saved me from dozing off during those late-night study sessions and has helped me survive through early morning classes. Maybe it's just all in my head or it is actually effective, I would never know. Nevertheless, I am indeed quite thankful for its existence. I've always associated chai with home. It may sound absurd but hear me out. We may all be in different corners of the house, but the minute mother turns on the stove to brew a pot of steaming hot chai, we're all attracted to it like moths to a flame. Whenever you have guests over, you have to offer them some chai to drink and snacks despite their weak protests. That's standard protocol, isn't it? Besides a lot can happen over a nice cup of chai. A great way to start the day; with a cup of chai, biscuits and the day's newspaper.

That's all for now folks. I've got to go and persuade my mother into making my chai a bit more stronger. It's a nugatory attempt, but worth a shot anyway.
Wish me luck.

- A Girl Looking for a One Way Ticket Back to the 90's