Conversations over chai #3

Posted on by Parul Thakur

I don’t know about you but I have begun to look forward to our conversations over chai. There is something warm about having to share mundane yet special details over a cup of chai.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I have begun to think a lot about privileges that we take for granted. Bangalore is facing a water crisis and you must have read about it. Many including me are trying to do all that we can to save water and use it as judiciously as we can. My life is not impacted by this shortage. Until last week, I was also able to go to the pool for a morning swim. However, my helps do not have this privilege. They are not able to get consumable water and that makes me think how hard life is for them. These are those times when the difference between the economic stratas becomes evident.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that one of my blogging goals was to be able to go back in the years and read things that I have written. This was my way to relive good and happy memories. Now that this blog is over 11 years old, I re-read my own posts. They make me smile. It’s a joy and I am glad I started blogging. I am sure in another 10 years, this post would make me chuckle.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that my Fitbit crashed early March. And I felt like a fish without water. I know I sound very materialistic but if there is one gadget (other than my phone) that I can’t live without, it’s my Fitbit. I troubleshooted, spent hours with customer care and then bought a new one. Silly things we do, don’t we?

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I wonder there is so much to do in life and so less time. I want to buy a sewing machine and sew pretty things. I want to pick up a needle and thread and start embroidery. I want to keep crocheting and knitting. I have understood that these crafty things bring me joy and I realized this so late in life.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that I was talking to RC at work and she said something that made me stop and think about it. Our identity is not our demographics. So being a married and working female is not my identity. It is what makes the demography. I am a human resources professional who loves to write, crochet, click and read. That’s a part of my identity.

If we were having chai together, I would tell you that my front door neighbors moved out recently. I have had many chai conversations on their dining table that was at the far end of the living room. NS and I would talk at her door and sometimes I would cross the living and dining space to step out in the balcony. When NS and her family were moving out, I saw the bare living room and all its emptiness. It made me think that the people who live in a house impart a character to it and bring it to life.

If we were having chai together, what would you tell me?

Conversations over chai is my take on sharing a bit of life, reflections, learnings and gratitude with you. By now, you all know that chai is my favorite beverage and I hope we get to have chai together one day.

So join me by sharing something that you can and let’s talk.

12 thoughts on “Conversations over chai #3”

  1. I was like that with my fitbit until I accidentally put it in the washing machine, not once but thrice. After the third time it died. I bought a new one recently but only wearing it to work.i love looking at stats. We recently had movement challenge at work. Kept me on toes for a month.

    I loved the quote about demographic. The duties and responsibilities consume so much of my life that sometimes I forget what truly lies behind all that. It is a good reminder to understand our true self.

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  2. I hears about the water shortage in Bangalore. Good to know that you are not impacted much, Parul. I think some parts are affected badly.

    Reading old posts is a sure way to find some inspiration to keep blogging, isn’t it? I love reading my old ones. 🙂

    After seeing your crochet pieces in Instagram, I have no doubt you will create amazing things with a sewing machine, Parul. You are blessed crafter.

    Nice conversations over chai, Parul. Keep them coming. 😊❤️

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  3. What a newsy post this one is Parul. Like you said writing about mundane things somehow makes them special. After all it is the mundane that makes the tapestry of our lives interesting, right? I heard about the Bangalore water problem, Pune seems to be going the same way. We spend a massive amount each month for water tankers in our building complex.

    I get what you said about having too little time and too many things to do. I want to read and write and draw and craft. Sigh! Recently N and I bought identical drawing books to try out watercolours and I haven’t been able to get to it at all. One day, I’ll make time I hope.

    I love your life updates. Keep them coming.

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  4. I enjoyed having chai with you today, Parul. It sounds like you have been thinking about and appreciating the simple moments. It can be bittersweet when someone moves away, like your neighbour moving on to a new chapter. You look back on your memories together and are also happy for them on their journey.I also really like what you said about identity not being our demographics. We have many parts to our identity. So many things that we do shape us. Hope you have been doing well 😊❤

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    1. Mabel, I’m always grateful I met you virtually. Every time you are here, you show me what blogging community is all about. It’s about having each other by our side. For support and all think that we share through our words. So thank you so much ♥️

      I’m well and I hope the same for you. I really wish we could one day have chai in person 😊

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      1. Always a pleasure to stop by and read your thoughts, Parul. I am so glad we connected through the blogging community. Very greatful to have met you here. You never know. one day we could have chai in person 😊❤

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