Tea Kadai Conversations Episode 18- Tea, Family, Friends and Community Life at Ashiana Shubham

 

The little tea kadai within our gated community has suddenly become a much busier place over the past couple of weeks. With the holiday season in full swing, many residents have been welcoming relatives from Chennai, other parts of India and even from abroad. Naturally, almost every visitor is introduced to what has now become one of the landmarks of our community—the humble tea shop.

Our ever-smiling tea master, Guru, has been having a rather hectic time. Being the sole person managing the shop, he barely gets a moment to catch his breath as he keeps preparing ginger tea, masala tea, lemon tea, filter coffee and snacks in an endless relay. Watching him work is like watching a one-man orchestra, except that instead of musical instruments, he is juggling kettles, tumblers and snack packets!

Our own group of regulars has become a little smaller for the time being. One of our friends has left for Delhi and is expected to be away for three or four months. These days, it is mostly Dr. Mohandas and me who occupy our usual benches around 4.30 in the evening for an hour or so, while the others drift in and out whenever they find the time. The attached photograph, taken today, captures the cheerful crowd milling around the tea shop, proving once again that good tea has an irresistible magnetic pull.

Yesterday, an Indian lady who is married to a French national visited the tea kadai for the second consecutive day while spending time with her parents in Phase 2. Having travelled all the way from France, she declared herself quite taken in by Guru's ginger lemon tea. It appears that our little tea shop now has international admirers and perhaps deserves a place on Chennai's unofficial tourist map!

Adding to the festive atmosphere, another resident arrived with his two daughters, his niece, daughter-in-law and no fewer than five energetic grandchildren. Within minutes, the peaceful tea shop transformed into a lively playground filled with laughter, excited chatter and children running about. Guru handled the cheerful chaos with remarkable composure as he somehow managed to keep everyone's tea cups full while serving snacks to the entire group.

A couple of days earlier, the Annual General Body Meeting of the Shubham Residents Welfare Association (SRWA) was held in the clubhouse. More than 150 resident members attended the meeting. The Managing Committee presented a detailed report of the developmental works completed during the previous year and outlined several projects planned for the coming year. A few important resolutions were also passed by the members. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the meeting was that it concluded smoothly and peacefully. Considering that resident association meetings are often known for spirited debates—and occasionally for a determined opposition eager to raise every conceivable issue—the orderly conduct of this AGM was both refreshing and commendable.

On the personal front, there has been another happy development. My younger daughter has arrived from Canada to spend a couple of weeks with us in Chennai. She had often heard me speak about the tea kadai and the wonderful group of friends I meet there every evening. Naturally, she wanted to see the place and meet the regulars who have become such an important part of my daily routine.

Unfortunately, Dr. Mohandas and Senthil could not make it that evening as they were attending the month-end gathering organised by Ashiana Shubham. Nevertheless, we met Dr. Mohandas later in the beautiful OSR Garden, where he kindly clicked a few lovely photographs of my wife, my daughter and me.

Life in a senior living community is often imagined to be slow and uneventful. Yet, every passing day at Ashiana Shubham tells a different story. A bustling tea shop, visiting families from across the globe, community meetings, children's laughter and precious moments with loved ones all blend together to create memories that are simple, heart-warming and deeply fulfilling. Sometimes, all it takes is a cup of tea to remind us that the richest moments in life are shared in the company of good people.

 

Tea Kadai Closed, Friendship Open

 

Our campus tea shop has recently started a WhatsApp group where the daily menu is posted along with the all-important announcement of whether the shop will be open or closed. On 17th June, the message was loud and clear: "Shop Closed Today."

Now, one would assume that this would discourage customers from visiting. Clearly, the management underestimated the determination of six seasoned regulars! As if responding to a call of duty, we turned up at the usual spot and occupied the benches in front of the firmly shuttered shop.

 

There we sat for a couple of hours, without tea, without snacks, and without any intention of leaving. Passers-by must have wondered whether we were staging a silent protest or waiting for a grand reopening. In reality, we were simply enjoying each other's company, discussing everything from world affairs to whose memory was failing the fastest.

The gathering proved that while tea may have brought us together initially, friendship is what keeps us coming back. The shop was closed, but the conversations were open, the laughter flowed freely, and the companionship was as refreshing as any cup of tea. Sometimes, the best item on the menu is togetherness and fortunately, that was available in unlimited quantities here at Ashiana Shubham Senior Living at Maraimalainagar, Chennai

A Festive Morning at Ashiana Shubham

 

 

Last Friday, 12 June 2026, a festive mood prevailed at our senior living community in Maraimalainagar, Chennai. A few residents were dressed up and ready as early as 5:30 a.m., and the reason soon became apparent: an advertisement shoot for the Ashiana Senior Living projects in Chennai was scheduled for the day. The theme of the shoot revolved around the various activities and amenities available within the community. During the morning walk session, there were two male walkers, three female walkers, and a resident on a bicycle, all repeatedly rehearsing their movements for the cameras. Similar scenes were being staged and refined at the swimming pool, gymnasium, and dining areas. 

 

 

The production team spent considerable time perfecting each sequence in preparation for the arrival of the main presenter and anchor—a celebrity guest. At around 9:30 a.m., we finally saw Dinesh Karthik, the former Tamil Nadu and Indian cricketer who is now well known for his commentary assignments around the world. He arrived on campus and quickly got ready to complete his part of the advertisement.

 

 

 

 

Only a select group of residents had been invited to participate in the shoot. Naturally, those appearing in the advertisement would be expected to highlight the positive aspects of Ashiana Shubham and generate interest among prospective buyers, particularly for the upcoming phases of the project in and around Chennai.

 

 

 

I am merely recording the observations and thoughts shared by various residents for my blog, without any malice or prejudice. As with any residential property, there are both advantages and disadvantages, and opinions can vary from person to person. Personally, I chose to buy a flat in Maraimalainagar because of its abundant greenery, parks, and excellent walking spaces.

 

I was informed that the entire shoot was completed by about 1:00 p.m. It will be interesting to see the finished advertisement when it eventually appears on social media and other platforms.