If chai tasted the same every day, I wouldn't be writing this.

"Is something off with the tea today?"

Most of us (Team "Chai Mafia") have complained at least once when chai didn't taste like yesterday. Have you ever thought about why we're so picky when it comes to chai?

If yes, sit down. Have a few sips with me. Let's rant.

Because the real question in my head is why are we drinking tea?

For me, the simple answer is pleasure.

But what kind of pleasure? Is it just the taste? Maybe. But it means more than that, right?

Personally, I liked the taste first.

But that still doesn't explain why I make time for it every single day.

I spend part of my day on something that's basically milk, water, and tea leaves from the Munnar hills.

This isn't coffee or Red Bull. Red Bull isn't competing with Kannan Devan and Mohanlal to take its place. So, I'm clearly not drinking it for the energy.

(Even as I write this, I've already had three cups of tea.)

So... what are we actually coming back for?

I think the answer is different for everyone.

For me, chai has always been an excuse to spend time with people I enjoy talking to.

If you think otherwise, scroll through your chats with your best friend and check what made you get your ass out of the house last time.

As an engineer, chai is usually the reason we step away from our desks for a few minutes when the Claude limit hits.

For my mom, it's an opportunity to experiment with one more chai-kadi.

I've also noticed that "Chaya?" is one of the easiest ways to start a conversation with someone.

One cup of tea is all I need for a good conversation.

My friends joke that I like to experience tea at every possible temperature, from piping hot to almost cold.

Honestly, half the time I just forget to finish it because the conversation gets interesting. I guess I never wanted to leave the chai shop that quickly.

I even know people who drive to Wayanad Churam just for a cup of tea.

Just 70 km.

Crazy, isn't it?

Maybe it isn't about the tea. Maybe it's about the drive, the conversations on the way, and the people who found time to be there with us.

But a police officer who stopped us the other night asked,

"എന്താടാ, ചായ വീട്ടിൽ കിട്ടില്ലേ ?"

I could smell alcohol on his breath when he finished his sentence.

Whatever, back to the topic.

These chai times are drisakshi to dreams we've shared, trips we've planned that still haven't happened, and business ideas that were definitely going to make us billionaires. 💰

Every ₹10 cup of tea has quietly witnessed a small part of our lives.

Some of the biggest debates in our group happen during these chai times.

Captain America or Iron Man. Argentina or Brazil. Tea or Naranga soda.

(The debate usually ends before I finish my tea.)

Once, one of my friends said...

Chai is,

If you have a chai mafia like this, keep it alive.

Keep terrorizing your local chaya-kada with debates like why Captain America shouldn't have defended Bucky.