Tea Kadai conversations – Episode 14

 

Over the past few days, my visits to the tea kadai have been irregular, largely due to my wife’s health concerns and my own dental appointments. As a result, I’ve missed much of the daily chatter, but one topic continues to dominate conversations within the community—the increased maintenance charges imposed by the service provider from April 2026.

Image by ChatGPT

The Resident Welfare Association has not accepted this hike and has been seeking justification and supporting documents for the increase. However, based on updates shared with residents, the service provider has not responded adequately to these queries.

An open house meeting was recently conducted by the association, where committee members shared their views not only on the revised charges but also on broader issues affecting senior residents. A key concern raised was the disruption in commercial gas supply to the community kitchen. It was alleged that non-payment to the gas agency led to the cancellation of the consumer number, forcing the kitchen to rely on firewood. This has, understandably, affected both the quality and variety of food being served.

The association has suggested that residents—both owners and tenants—pay maintenance charges at the February 2026 level rather than the revised amount, as a way to pressure the service provider into negotiations. However, opinions among residents are divided. One group supports partial payment now and settling the balance after mutual agreement, with legal action as a fallback. Another group believes in paying the full amount upfront and then pursuing legal remedies if needed, arguing that courts may not entertain cases where dues are unpaid.

What stands out, rather disappointingly, is the level of discord among residents. Many of them, despite their experience and past positions of authority, seem to engage in unnecessary arguments, especially on Whats App groups, often dismissing even constructive suggestions.

Personally, I prefer to stay away from these politics. While the association plays an important role in representing residents’ concerns, it should avoid unilateral decisions that may disrupt essential services. Ultimately, I intend to act based on my own judgment rather than follow any stance blindly. After all, the quality of services was a key factor in choosing to live here, and that should not be compromised.

On 28th April, one of the more interesting conversations revolved around a solo road trip undertaken by Mr. Rajan to Shillong and back…an adventure inspired by a similar journey recently completed by another resident Dr Kamaraj.

Rajan shared vivid accounts of his experiences along the way. His journey through West Bengal coincided with the election period, which brought unexpected challenges. Due to local restrictions, hotels were not accommodating outsiders, leaving him stranded for options. After considerable effort, he managed to secure an Airbnb stay for two nights, which provided some much-needed relief.

The return leg of his journey presented a different kind of hurdle. In Telangana, he encountered a widespread fuel shortage, with over 200 petrol bunks reportedly shut. Anticipating uncertainty, he adopted a simple but effective strategy of refuelling whenever he came across an operational bunk, ensuring he was never caught off guard.

He also recounted an unusual and slightly unsettling interaction at a toll booth. A member of the transgender community approached his vehicle seeking money. Upon his refusal, the individual scribbled something on his windshield—possibly a signal to others ahead, though he wasn’t certain. Rajan chose to wipe it off shortly after and, as a precaution, decided to avoid stopping immediately after toll booths where such encounters are more common. Overall, his story sparked curiosity and discussion, offering a glimpse into the unpredictability and resilience that is often required in solo travel across diverse regions.

 

 

Tea Kadai conversations Episode 11

 

 

 

At the tea kadai within the Ashiana Shubham senior living community, two rickety wooden benches sit on either side of the shop, with a long flight of steps leading up to it. This humble setting has quietly become a vibrant gathering place, where seniors and regulars sit with their cups of tea or coffee, engaging in conversations that range from the happenings within the community to events unfolding across the world.

For many, this daily visit offers a welcome break from routine and a chance to connect, to listen, and to be heard. Familiar faces meet, conversations flow easily, and even occasional visitors are quickly drawn into the warmth of the group.

As I mentioned in an earlier episode, I am one of the regulars here. Along with Dr. Mohandas and Sundararajan, I spend nearly an hour and a half each day on these benches or steps, whether the shop is open or not. Over time, I’ve come to realize that what draws us here is not just the tea and snacks, but the shared joy of companionship. In this phase of our lives, we gather to celebrate it in our own quiet way..through conversation, laughter, and the comfort of being together.

Every resident carries a story. However small or trivial it may seem, sharing it brings a certain lightness, a sense of relief. The tea kadai has become a space where these stories find listeners, and in doing so, create connections. I hope to continue sharing these moments and conversations in future episodes.

A few days ago, Dr. Mohandas and I met Sundararajan’s wife. She told us how he rarely stepped out in the evenings before. But now, ever since he began joining us, he eagerly looks forward to that time of day. As evening approaches, he gets ready with enthusiasm and heads to the tea shop, excited to meet us and others. Seeing this change has brought her great happiness—and hearing it brought us quiet satisfaction, knowing we had played a small part in lifting someone’s spirit.

Interestingly, the tea kadai is not just for the senior residents. People from the multi-generational villas within the gated community also drop by regularly here for a cup of tea, a snack, or simply for the conversations. In this way, the little tea shop has become more than just a place for us for it is a shared space where lives intersect, stories unfold, and bonds are gently formed.

 

Tea Kadai Stories- Episode 06- 22nd Jan to 31st Jan

 

This week passed quietly, without much excitement, except for a small argument that arose out of some pointless discussions at the tea shop. During the exchange, Ravindra suddenly burst out loudly, accusing me of trying to influence his opinions and impose my views on him. As usual, he declared that it was his constitutional right to express whatever he felt and that he would not and could not be subdued.

One of the seniors present gently remarked, “Why have unpleasantness and arguments when we all have one step already in the grave?” That simple line struck a chord with me. I immediately withdrew from the discussion and decided not to comment unnecessarily on Ravindra’s opinions anymore. At this stage of life, peace of mind feels far more valuable than winning an argument.

I was also absent from the shop for nearly four days — two days because our cat was recovering from its health issues, and another two days to attend to my wife’s eye problem.

What we thought would be a routine visit to the ophthalmologist, merely to check the corrective lens prescribed for her left eye, unexpectedly opened up a new concern. The doctor noticed a lymphoid growth in the conjunctival area and advised a biopsy, especially considering her past history of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The sample collection was scheduled for 30th January 2026.

As instructed, we went to Billroth Hospital, where the procedure is expected to take about thirty minutes and was completed within an hour. The collected sample was handed over to me, which I then submitted at Apollo Cancer Hospital for histopathology and Lymphoma Panel examination.

Now we wait for the report, expected in four days. I came across this statement which I feel is apt “Worrying does not reduce tomorrow’s trouble; it only reduces today’s strength.”