" So, what are you making us today?" He asked.
Ajay looked at him, thinking for a while and replied with a bright smile,
" A cup of delicious masala tea. "

Since Childhood, Ajay was interested in learning new things. He would accompany his father to the bazaar and look around things that piqued his interests. At home  he would either be reading new books or watching television with informative shows about science and natural world.
He did have some interests looking at cooking shows but was generally bored and changed the channel. Even watching her mother's cooking bored him due to his short attention span. The only thing that he did took interest or was allowed to be watched by his mother was when they made tea. It took less time, and was considered safe for children by his parents, even though he drank only health drink.

" Mummy, how much sugar you add here?"
Ajay asked one day while helping her mother in making tea.
" Put two tablespoon of sugar as we are making for two people. " his mother Rani answered.
Ajay complied and did as he was told. Later he also helped bring it to his father. He felt so proud.

Years passed, and he became college student. He sometimes made his own tea, while helping her mother or when his maternal grandfather would come.
It was one of special demands of his grandfather to have his special masala tea
" Ajay, make your Aja, a masala tea." His father Vijay shouted as Ajay was coming home from college.
" Sure I can  where us Mummy? " Ajay asked, quite confused by this sudden demand.
" She is talking with your mama and Aja (Mother's brother and father),' Father said, ' Aja want to drink tea made from your hand."

So, Ajay made his special tea and brought it to them. They all chatted, and praised how delicious tea is made.
" Ajay has a knack of making tasty tea." His Grandfather said with a big smile.
" Yes, he doesn't do any cooking but has a knack of making a good tea." His mother added.
" His future wife would be lucky." And all the people had a hearty laugh. Ajay just acknowledged the compliment.

Years passed, he got busy in entrance exams, job interviews and working for a company. He didn't had much time to spend in kitchen or in his other hobbies.
He was subsequently posted in another city. Took his time to settle, and finally had some time to have outings with his colleagues and friends.

It was one such get together, and he invited then to his apartment. He lived alone, so brought some Samosa and Bada from nearby eatery. But his friends insisted him to make something. The most he made for himself was sandwich and omelets.

" Ajay, today we are your guest, make something special for us. " Ravi requested as Pradeep and Neha watched.

" I know, what I am going to make. Something you will remember a long time. " Ajay remembered his younger days and said with a mischievous smile.
" What is it?" They asked.
" A cup of my special masala tea " Ajay replied.

© Dr. Manish Rout