Adrak wali chai

In response to my incessant sneezing since morning,my multi-task manager at home sumitra ji insisted that I must have a cup of strong adrak wali chai.A few minutes later there I was sipping one of  the many good things about winters.It tasted great and provided the much needed relief to my congested respiratory passages,but that was not all.
Today this cup of adrak wali chai brought with it a flood of memories.My next sip tasted extra sweet as I remembered the one I shared with my then best friend and now husband in a roadside dhaba.I was reminded of the lonely adrak wali chai I had alone in a hospital corridor praying for the success of my father's surgery.The innumerable adrak wali chais that I had in my college canteen editing the college magazine,oh god! I feel so nostalgic.How can I not mention The many cups of adrak wali chai I made for visitors as they poured in our ancestral house to mourn the sudden demise of my uncle.
It is common knowledge that Adrak they say has many medicinal qualities,what I discovered today is that adrak can also be used to preserve memories.

Guardian Angel....

One of the few good things that have remained with me from my convent education is the concept of a guardian angel.If I remember correctly,when I used to sing "Guardian angel watch over me,wherever I go wherever I'll be",in the primary section,it didn't really mean much.As I grew up the idea of someone watching over me was surely not a pleasant thing,but as soon as I stepped into the rather tough terrain of pre-adulthood,the idea of someone always there with me started catching up.
In my adult life the idea stayed with me ,but like many other good things from childhood remained buried.When I was growing up I had made an image in my mind of my guardian angel,quite a vivid one ,in spotless white complete with an aura and a wand.
Today many years later,when I am a mom and sceptic enough to belief in good surreal things, life brought me a surprise gift.In the stressful scenario of looking after my kid in a friendless and angelless metro city,I found out that guardian angels don't always wear spotless whites.They sometimes are clad in a simple cotton dhoti and all they carry is a small packet of homemade sweets and lots of love.
As my 11 month old rushed into the arms of her old caretaker ,with a million -dollar smile and a twinkle in the eye ,I am glad I instantly recognised that a Guardian angel had arrived.
She can not  read this ,but thankyou Sumitra ji for being our guardian angel!