OS - Subeh Ki Chai

Subeh ki chai...

Subeh ki chai.

Mornings at Kapoor Mansion were more or less the same - early, fast and busy.

The elder members - dadi and Krishnaji preferred their chai and breakfast in the open gardens after a quick walk or two followed by a puja in the mansion which was often led and incomplete without their beloved - Priya.

The younger siblings, Rishabh and his wife Sonia, Natasha the baby sister of the house who was visiting her maternal home for some days and Ayesha -Priya's younger sister and Sidhant's estranged wife preferred their protein shakes and carb free breakfast at the dining table often accompanied by a lot of bickering and leg pulling Although they were all different in their own ways, they were all united by the one person, they all loved dearly - Priya.

The junior kapoors - Miss Peehu and Master Khush were found sitting quietly at the other end of the dining table and eating their breakfast before they were off to school. They observed the 'elder lot' and wondered how come they were never punished for all the ruckus they created and not to forget the wastage of food. However, they planned to bring this to the notice of their dearest parent - Priya.

And last but not the very least Mr Ram Kapoor, the head of Kapoor family and Priya's husband for 7 years now, preferred his adrok wali chal with two of his favourites - Priya and Aloo paratha, in that order. The only woman who not only managed to be his first favourite but also managed to make the caffeine addict a chai lover like her in a matter of few years. Nothing and no one were allowed to disturb them in those 20 minutes. Ram always ensured he gave her the undivided attention to her first thing in the morning irrespective of his busy schedule ahead. Only if he was traveling would this habit be compromised but even those instances were slowly reducing as Ram started sending Rishabh outdoors. Morning wasn't good until he sipped his tea in peace with his darling - Priya.

So now you see, everyone in the family were all independent yet hugely dependent on one person Priya. And being there for everyone selflessly was what kept her going It never occurred to anyone how she was adept at citing hymns along with dadi and very next minute scampering to see off the babies. And before Ram could be at his chair with the newspaper and waiting for her, she'd have cracked a joke or two with the siblings and instructed 10 things to the butler, gardener, cook and driver. Neha her best friend often teased her that she was too good to be true and 'Parvati'-ish which Priyalaughed it off saying she was anything but Parvati.

Today was any other day and everyone were right on schedule. Priya beamed brightly at her husband who'd just occupied his seat and was pouring tea into their cups when they both heard a loud screeching from the garden just below the balcony of their bedroom. Ram hurried to the balcony while Priya had already dashed out of their room, descending the stairs, two at a time and running out in garden, bare footed. She didn't realise when she ditched her sandals to run. Her subconscious mind was alert and far sighted.

The shocked look on the faces of Dadi and Krishnaji had got Priya all worried. No sooner did she reach them than she hurriedly began to check if either had hurt themselves. Panic stricken she didn't observe the little basket that lay covered on the garden that was addressed to Dadi.

Priya heaved a sigh of relief when she was certain that it was the basket and nothing else that had frightened the two old women and got them all worked up. She instantly looked up at balcony and saw Ram chuckling at her panic-stricken face and walking back into his room. He always teased her of being over dramatic about things that don't really happen in real life but only on fictional shows inbTelevision. This annoyed Priya however her attention was again back to the little basket that no moved a little and Priya too yelped in fear. Rightly Priya though that the reaction from the old women was valid enough.