I was a bit startled as my mobile alarm rang, it was already 6:30 am, and I opened my eyes and found myself in a Hotel room of Andhra Pradesh. I almost forgot that I had reached there last night and booked the room at the railway station itself, I often enjoy morning walks, the fresh morning air energizing all my senses. So I decided to go for a walk, out for a tea.

If I compare Delhi to Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, it’s still very green and near to water. Though the weather was quite humid as compared to Delhi but still I enjoy the mornings of Vijayawada. To enjoy this beautiful morning I went out of the hotel room in search of my favourite Masala Tea. I just wandered down the streets in search of any tea stall or any restaurant. Although a well-known city, Vijaywada still emits the essence of a rural freshness like enjoying the Mitti ki khusboo while walking those unkempt paths covered with shady trees laden with fresh green leaves.

What a fairy tale like situation, but just then… Oops!.. something interesting happening in the front of me. A couple is walking in front of me, this guy keeps on staring at me (as if I am an alien) and the girl is angrily asking him to turn away. But this guy keeps on staring even after her angrily gesture. Whenever he looks into my eyes I smile on him very naughtily. 

People staring at me like I'm an animal, escaped out of any zoo. Then suddenly, I realized that I was not dressed according to their culture and also that they treat North Indians as we treat foreigners in Delhi. Frankly speaking I love this treatment; they make me feel like a celebrity for the day.

I found a small Tea stall. It was very small and consisted of just one table and two chairs. I could communicate with only one person there. As it was quite an early morning, no shop was ready to serve. They were preparing for the day. When I asked him for tea, he said shop was not ready yet but I could sit and wait in his stall. He assured me that he would prepare it soon. Aeeyyyyooo I think my attire worked here.

I asked him for one tea and realized that the cup was very small. After enjoying my first cup of MASALA TEA,  I ordered for another. He seemed a bit surprised (don’t know why) so I left him contemplating and started enjoying my MASALA TEA.

For me,  masala tea is not just a tea but a cup of life. Whenever I take my tea each morning and evening, this creates a very personal time for me. To think about myself, this time I am only me. In the race of life, we forget to enjoy our own company. I think we should meet ourselves each day with a cup of coffee or tea or whatever we like. Pamper own self. Make special space & time for own self. 

This morning tea taken along with a breath of fresh and healthy air and a big SMILE readies me for the full day. I intend to turn this habit of mine into a family practice to be handed down to my grandsons/daughters.

I assure you that if you make a special time for yourself, you will feel much more happier during the whole day.

So start pampering.