Confessions of a (Forced) Tea-totaller

The morning birds are in rhapsody, the marble floor reciprocates the sheen of the mighty Sun beckoning the new day. And through the open window, the air wafts sounds of children on their promenade to the bus stop, walking albeit briskly. All pawns in place for a perfect morning. And as I glance through the pantry, I chance upon a sealed package of masala chai, on the cusp of being devoured by my caffeine devoid self. Ceremoniously I begin to uncover it, inch by inch, looking lustfully at it. No cover-ups now!

The mere aroma of it makes my senses twitch. For indulgences are enjoyed best when prohibited.

This is my confession, the confession of a (forced) te(a)totaller. I've been three weeks clean...(sigh)

It all started one regular day. Some friends and I went to a fancy tea outlet. This swanky place had all sorts of teas; you name it, they had it. As for me, all human sanity was lost. Guided by my instincts, I fired away my order - Masala Chai! The piping hot tea resembled my fiery desire to have just one cup of tea. But who can question or reason addictions. Every swig of the tea made me want to gulp down gallons and gallons of it. Due to economic constraints, I had no more than 5 cups of tea. While in dreamland, I never worry for the bill - but my friends sure did. Silently, the host paid the price of bringing me along. No conversation took place on the way back.

Returning home, longing for that caffeine high, I chose the choicest of teas I had kept for special occasions.

I was relishing the tea when suddenly the rusk (can't explain, it's like a long biscuit you have with tea here in India) disappeared in the cup. With frustration, I struggled to find the soggy semi-solid out of the cup. And then I made a wrong decision. A very wrong one. I pledged to never ever have tea again!
Foolish decision, I know but now I can't break it, as people of my clan are known for their commitment. So, folks I have little choice.

Dingding! Somebody is at the door, oh wait! It's Sunita from the ground floor. Well, looks like I can have a glass or two of iced tea with her;)