A morning Nothing more The Editor’s Desk by Samir Shukla On this morning in early May, the daylight slapped me through the blinds. I rose from the bed while a mini orchestra of cracking and snapping bones emanating from my body soundtracked the scene. I parted the blinds and squinted at the fiery day. The sun was already on its way around the block, waiting for my sloth-mimicking self to come join it. Come on dude, get moving. I stumbled into the bathroom for the morning ritual, thinking of the soon to be consumed hot cup of chai that is so essential to fully awaken the senses. While walking out, I smacked my elbow on the bathroom door rim and cursed my clumsiness while caressing the buzzing bone on each step down the stairs into the kitchen. The brain is still in a bit of fog as I pour the hot chai already made by my wife into a mug. I let the pollen-stiffened breeze into the kitchen by opening the backdoor to the deck. Man, it’s a bright day, but yes, the chai. This godly blend of black Assam tea, milk, shredded ginger or maybe chai spices, depending on your preference, a sprig of mint, pinch of sugar…boiled and readied just at the right mix. Some folks concocted this blend back in the distant past that has become known as classic Indian chai. Sure, that infernal coffee maybe trying to elbow its way into cups and mugs around the world, but chai will always remain its daddy. It’s a simple fact. Fight me for it. continued on page 60
Saathee.com
14
June 2022
