Chai: An Earthen Cup of Life by Ashima Syal | Creative Nonfiction

Chai, a cup brimming with emotions. That one sip makes us forget all our worries. The sip that makes us hoard memories a little longer for we find it in every other corner of the street. Having that one cup of tea by greeting the tea vendor, makes us realize the true essence of life. People from all different walks of life come and gather in oneness at the tea stall. After all, the tea stall does not differentiate between people, all are welcome with a smile for a flavorful cup of tea. The sense of belonging that tea imprints in us is irreplaceable.

While losing ourselves in the world of tea, we get to delve a little deeper into ourselves and reflect upon how we are always trying hard to belong to so many others out there. We want to belong to our friends, which is why we end up doing what they like. We are under pressure to feel a sense of belonging at our workplace, so we take up more responsibility, more than what is sufficient. We reach home at night, only to hear the voice ringing in our heads, shouting at us “we truly belong in the space we are in or are we just forced to belong? The morning cup of tea gave me a soothing answer which read “ you must belong to yourself”, just like the tea which belongs to its leaves and never refrains from molding itself with the vessel it is being served in, how then can we refrain from belonging to ourselves? We need to first be one with ourselves.

 

Ashima Syal is an Author. She authored two books of poetry titled Canopy and the Fragrant Fable. Ashima also conducts Creative Writing and Public Speaking Workshops for college students. Ashima draws inspiration from everyday incidents, which is reflected in her writing.