Rainy Days and the Joy of Chai and Pakoda

Today our world outside the window is grey, rain is tapping dancing on the pavement and the sound completes it all with a soft regular beat. Where some may be sadists and feel that a rainy day is a pessimistic day, for me, life has its colourful moments, and none is more colourful than the rainy day drowned in a cup of steaming chai and savoury pakodas.

Comfortably placing myself in the cosines of my chair, the gentle drenching smell of the soil crept gently through the slightly ajar window, complemented so well with the smell of chai that came with the Tea cup. Rain is one of the most beautiful phenomenon; the moments becomes so enriched that time feels stolen. For the first time today, I decided that I will be going by the ambiance completely. As the preparation for the bath, I prepared my favorite Indian tea which involves steeping spices in hot water. This warm mix of ginger, cardamom together with cloves gave it a warm feeling that was ideal for a cold day outside.

But tea, what is chai without the ever so popular tea accompaniment? I took a bowl of besan (gram flour) and proceeded by making the pakodas seconds before serving these to Varun. Large pieces of sliced onion, potato and spinach held thick batter; it stole at a sight that made me crack a smile on the face. When I placed them in the hot oil the sound it made sizzling so much was music to my ears. When each pakoda was done, it became a sweet, crispy golden brown on the outside and succulent inside.

I quickly made a plate for myself and grabbed a steaming cup of chai puttting myself comfortably on my special chair by the window. The rain still was still coming down, and I couldn’t help but stare at the water forming streams on the sidewalk and dancing with each droplet. The world seemed to be calm with the rains and warm embrace.

Then, the first sip of chai restored back the warmth in my stomach – a balm to the frosty evening. The first taste of pakoda was divine; the outer layer gave way to a spicy paste inside with its snapping texture as creatively designed for the mouth. I proceeded to dip each piece into a tamarind chutney – a brilliant tangy slant that complemented nicely with sweetness on the other side of the recipe and which I chased with a sip of the chai.

One particularly likes Rainy day it responds to the idea that Rainy days also provoke the creation. What they do is inspire us to read a book, watch a movie or even try painting for ourselves. It is the time when we can give a free rein to our thoughts while lying warm in our blanket and having no fears.

The purity of chai and pakoda generates a homely feeling and makes people to remember how beautiful it is to enjoy life.” These moments are pleasant when people share with their families or friends or when one can spend time alone with them.

While chewing on my food something crossed my mind that even though it was a rainy Sunday it didn’t matter because the spirit of people comes first. The basic ingredients of chai and pakoda form a tradition, and this tradition tells you ‘it is okay to enjoy simple things in life’. They are experiences that can be enjoyed with those you love most or a personal special time to treasure.

These cold pouring rain made me to be thankful for today the warm hearth, good food and appreciation of the small things of life. At least let the two main elements of this rainy day be as welcoming as ever, here’s to chai and pakoda for all the days to come.