TAPRI CHAI... THE CUTTING














Pic.: Internet

Kukreja uncle is a senior citizen. He lives in the same building where I have my office and classes. Incidentally, every morning, when I reach my work-place, that is between 7.45 and 8.00, he, too, reaches. Only difference is: he is just back from his daily laughter-club session!

For the last twenty years – come rain or come storm – Kukreja uncle and his dozen friends have been there, religiously, in the local grounds, bang at 6.00, every morning!

On their way home, they have to complete one more ritual: enjoy the special (peshal) tapri chai… The irreplaceable ‘Cutting’!

I tell you, the sight of these oldies (I hear them scream: budda hoga tera baap!) having fun at the tapri is something so therapeutic!

So, as everyone, these days, creates his or her own ‘Happiness is…’ quote, today, I wish to create my own:

‘HAPPINESS IS…
ENJOING A TAPRI-CUTTING WITH YOUR LOVELY FRIENDS!’


Some things in life have no substitutes. You cannot compare – leave alone substitute – the bliss of standing outside a roadside tapri, or sit on its baakda, and indulge in those small talks with your big friends, a cutting-glass in your hand… yes, you can’t compare this bliss with even the most expensive or exquisite brand of tea or coffee in the world...

A tapri is a tapri… just as a dhaba is a dhaba!

Small pleasures of life can’t be replaced with anything, anytime by anyone… We need them to keep us happy… laugh more, live long… and look forward for another great day…

Yes, look forward to another morning of laughter… blessed with a tapir-chai… The glorious cutting!


GERALD D’CUNHA



Comments

Vineet Sharma said…
Little joys of life sir!
February 2, 2015 at 3:03 PM
Anonymous said…
Only im amchi Mumbai do we have his bliss called 'cutting chai'!
February 3, 2015 at 3:43 PM
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