Chapter 10:- The Tea Stall

After enjoying the beauty of Aru Valley of Pahalgam, Dr.Shah decides to have some snacks before returning to Srinagar.

He stops at a tea stall in the outskirts of Aru village. The tea stall is a small room, painted pink, with many racks in the walls on which tea powder, sugar and other ingredients are kept. There is a small portable fridge and eatables of different varieties. In the corner of the central wall, there is a photo of goddess Sharika with a lighted oil Diya and incense stick.

A table kept outside the stall, on which a LPG stove is placed. A tall fair guy of 25 years, wearing a grey pheren and black woolen cap is boiling pink decoction of Noon Chai on one burner and frying Nader Monjje on the other. Nader monjje are the lotus stem cut in small pieces, coated in subtle spiced flour and deep fried in oil.

The owner welcomes Dr.Shah, as he stops his bike in front of the shop. The owner places two stools in front of the shop.

Tea shop owner: "Namaste Shahab, my name is Sumir. How can I help you today?"

Dr.Shah: "Can I have a cup of coffee, please?"

Sumir: "Sorry Shahab, I don't make coffee. But I do make good Noon Chai and I have just fried Nader Monjje. You should try it Shahab, you'll like it."

Dr.Shah: "The fries look appetizing. Please, get me a cup of Noon Chai and Nader Monjje."

Sumir adds the dark pink decoction of the noon chai in milk and sugar, which turns the milk baby pink and garnishes it with pistachios. Hot red crispy Nader monjje were mouthwatering.

Cold weather, hot Noon Chai and Crispy Nader monjje. What an amazing combination! Dr.Shah enjoys the beautiful evening, drinking Noon Chai and Nader Monjje amidst the beauty of nature.

He stares at the horizon, to see the clouds trying to cover the sun and the sun's rays trying to come out in every possible direction.

Dr.Shah in his mind: "A few days ago, even my mind was covered with clouds of questions. But now, as most of my questions are answered, I can go home and continue my duty with full dedication. I'll never forget this trip to Kashmir, but this trip would be truly complete, if I would have met my true parents."

Dr.Shah takes out the pendent from his pocket, stares at it for a while and keeps its back in his pocket.

Dr.Shah thanks Sumir for tasty noon Chai and Nader monjje, pays the amount.

Suddenly Dr.Shah notices Sumir's neck, Dr.Shah is astonished! Sumir has a pendent similar to Dr.Shah.

Dr.Shah: "Sumir, what is that pendent in your neck? It looks unique!"

Sumir: "Yes Shahab, it's kind of unique. This pendent symbolizes the ancient families of my village. Only the chief of the family wears it. My grandfather gave it to my father, now after my father death, it has been given to me. It is passed on for generations."

Dr.Shah: "What is the name of your village?"

Sumir: "Its Maymunah! Its 10kms north from Aru village"

Dr.Shah is in shock. He was thinking that all his confusions come to an end. But now, he has another clue, a lead, that can tell him about his true parents. Once again Dr.Shah is in a confused state. He knows about his birth place and that he is a decedent of one of the founding families of Maymunah. He mind is filled with hope of meeting his true parents. But, would they recognize him? would they welcome their abandoned son? All these questions were running in Dr.Shah mild. He is puzzled!

Dr.Shah: "I must put an end to all these confusions. My fate has brought me here. The universe wants me to go to Maymunah. What made me stop here at this tea shop? What made me notice the pendent in Sumir's neck? It's all decided. It's my fate, I must face it."

Dr.Shah is lost in his thoughts.

Sumir: "Shahab! Are you alright?"

Dr.Shah: "Sumir, do you know anyone who can give me more details about this pendent? I'm curious to know!"

Sumir: "Shahab, in that case, its better you meet Shree Ekaksha Bhat. He the eldest in the village and is the former village chief."

Dr.Shah thanks Sumir and turns his bike in the direction of village Maymunah.