Steeping moments and Nourishing bonds – One sip at a time

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

I’m one of those people who’ve left behind a small town home to embrace the cosmopolitan life for work and what “could “ be called a better life. However, that’s debatable coz in doing so I’ve missed out on the simpler joys that come with living with parents. I’ve traded the tranquility of familiar streets for the vibrant pulse of city living, discovering new opportunities, and adapting to the dynamic rhythm of urban existence.

I don’t really recall any family traditions as such. But our little tea times were super sacred.

This is from the time when I wasn’t even a teenager. So dad was a Tata Motors employee and on good days he’d return home around 5-6 pm. Just before leaving from work, he’d call up (those were the landline phone days) and ask mumma to prep tea. Dad had a Yezdi bike which could be heard from around 500 metres away and as soon as I’d heard the faintest distinct rumble of the Yezdi motor engine, I’d rush out to welcome him home. Once back and as soon as he’d freshened up, we’d all sit together and have tea and biscuits and some savouries along with it.

Cut to now. Dad is happily retired. Mum is still the beautiful busy homemaker and I stay far away from them. But whenever I’m home, the 5-6 pm time is sacred. Yes, we eat our breakfasts and lunches and dinners together too, but tea time is just so special.

We sit out on the terrace, be it any weather. The aroma of fresh hot ginger tea mingles with the comfort of homemade nibbles, and extra sides of laughter and warm conversations. We talk about the good old days, current worldly affairs, extended family gossip, just anything and everything under the sun. And it goes on till either I’ve to get onto a work call or it’s dinner time.

This cozy atmosphere where bonds are strengthened and moments savoured together – whether or not it’s a tradition doesn’t matter, it’s our time and it’s special.