as I share something really emotional for me (and maybe for you as well), I would ask you guys to chant – HAR HAR MAHADEV
When we, as Indians, seek comfort, plan a casual outing with our partners, or simply want to hang out, where do we go? If you know, you know…
TEA STALL (CHAI KI TAPRI)
LiveLens: There’s no truth to reveal, only smiles to spread.
CHAPTER 1: THE HEART (Of The Streets)
In the bustling cities, small towns, or even the hidden corners of our urban landscapes, there’s always that one stall we gravitate toward. A place to unwind, sip a cup of tea, and share a smoke—Chai-Sutta.
For office workers, students, laborers, and even travelers from abroad, these tea stalls are more than just roadside stops—they are a way of life. The humble tea vendor, standing with his steaming kettle and a handful of masalas, pours out warmth and love in every cup.
A place where friendships are forged, debates ignite, and stories unfold. Yet, these tea vendors often go unnoticed, despite playing an essential role in our daily life.
Since my teenage years, I’ve been more of an on-and-off visitor to these stalls—sometimes for a hot, steamy cup of chai, sometimes just for a 5-rupee biscuit. But lately, I’ve realized an immense positivity I feel after meeting these vendors..
I have countless stories to tell, but for now, let me share two that are closest to my heart…
Manoj Bhai & Deepak Bhai – My “Bade Bhai”
Manoj Bhai
Deepak Bhai
Like a younger brother, I always called them “Bade Bhai” (big brother). My first meeting with them was during MahaKumbh (this one truly feels like a romantic story). Back then, I was a quiet, reserved person. But as the days passed, I found myself spending more and more time with them, getting to know them beyond their stall.
I started wandering with them, helping them pick up supplies from the market, and even became their unofficial chai stall promoter. In return, they served me everything with pure love, shared home-cooked meals, and made me feel like I was the best person they had ever met (I still couldn’t believe to this day).
Most importantly, they sometimes left their stall idle just to have long conversations with me. Oh! And I completely forgot—they even played matchmaker for me one day. (Don’t worry, it didn’t work out, but 100/10 for effort!)
The sheer dedication and hard work they put into their stall were commendable. They never let anyone go hungry, even if the person didn’t have money to pay.
Deepak Bhai & Manoj Bhai—thank you for everything you do for the devotees. You are truly great sons of our Bharat Mata.
Amidst the smoke, the clatter, the street,
Where footsteps echo and destinies meet,
A kettle hums a song of old,
Stories brewed in cups of gold.
Where Kings may fall, and cities fade,
But Badhe Bhai’s chai will never age…
Ankush Yadav Ji
A family from Firozabad, working tirelessly for every penny in an unknown city, carrying forward their legacy through generations. In a place where tea stalls are at every turn, the competition they have to face is commendable.
In the quiet city of Greater Noida, where education meets addiction, they serve tea that is filled not with stress or anxiety, but with love and smiles.
One of the biggest attractions at their stall? A little one named Lucy. Despite Mahadev testing them on some days, they continue to care for her like she is their own.
Such people are the hidden gems of this world. Sir, I thank you for the warmest welcome you gave me.
I wake before the city hums,
Before the sun, before the drums.
Kettle hissing, coals burn bright,
Another war, another night.
Hands are cracked, stories old,
Tea is poured, but hearts stay cold.
They sip, they talk, they laugh, they leave,
No one stays—no one grieves.
I stir the brew, not dreams untold,
Need money, not a hand to hold.
Smiles won’t fill an empty plate,
Friendship fades, hunger waits.
So drink your chai, then walk away,
I count my coins at end of day.
For in this world, where ties pretend,
I need money, not a friend.
DO NOT LOOK AWAY
Smiles are spreading—do not snatch them away.
CHAPTER 3: THE HANDS (The Art of Tea Life)
Each tea vendor has a unique way of brewing tea—some add extra ginger for warmth, others a pinch of cardamom for aroma, or even a secret blend of spices passed down through generations. The way they pour the tea from a height, frothing it to perfection, adds to the charm and depth of the experience.
The clinking of glasses, the swirling steam carrying hints of spice, the rhythmic stirring of the kullhad—together, they create a symphony that is both soothing and nostalgic.
These vendors share a simple yet powerful story—of hard work, survival, and the beauty of small joys in life. A friendly chat, a moment of rest, a cup of chai shared between strangers.
Their hands, often stained with tea and sugar, speak of endless labor, yet their smiles remain warm—just like the tea they serve.
Next time you visit a tea stall, keep your eyes and heart open– to look out for friends and to appreciate the human you see in them. They serve stories as rich as their Tea and who knows maybe you can find your “Badhe Bhai” …..
T H E – E N D
W E L C O M E T O L I V E L E N S
DARE TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE?
- ❤️Hinge, Hope & Heartbreak : The Illusion of Modern Love🌹
- Brewing Stories : From Generations to Forever On…
- THE UGLY FACES OF MAHAKUMBH
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