Vishnu ki Chaai is a feeling. It is not just a tea but a cup served with emotions and love.
It was when me and my friend decided to go on a road trip to Baroda. The trip actually turned out more like a trip down his memory lane when we decided to visit the university he studied at. We happened to meet the current batch of MSU, Baroda and few alumini.
I was taken aback when instead of entering the college from its main gate, we went to the back of the campus, crossed a fence and saw a tea stall.
He walked before me and suddenly I saw him running to the tea stall and hugged a man, who I assumed was his classmate. When I reached, I was introduced to a tall, fit man in pink shirt and mustache. “Meet Vishnu!” He said.
Can you spot Vishnu? Vishnu’s Tea Stall is situated at Professor Chandravadan Mehta Marg, behind MSU, Vadodara.
I sat there, sipping tea. What a beautifully lit tea stall and the surrounding. Under the shades of tree and bokeh lights falling through them, as they sit on the ground or a tree trunk and drink their Chaai. A complete ‘Hyggae’ moment.
He is equally loved by all like an old friend!
The place is enlightened by the arts students sitting peacefully by this stall drinking their tea, discussing their ideas of painting, colors, sculptures and all sorts of stuff with him. The place is full of positive energy.
In 2005, when heavy floods had hit the city, there was water everywhere and his house was under water. He stayed without food and water for a week. As soon as the students got to know about his situation, they came running to help Vishnu, provided him money and food
Photo Credits: Friends’ Republic
To pay them back, Vishnu tried his best and helped the students for their art supplies when they were in need.
In those days, everyone used to value relationship more than money. This is the thing which has proved to be helpful for Vishnu.
Since more than twenty five years, whoever has studied in Vadodara has returned to Vishnu’s tea stall for his tea. They tell him “Vishnu, I miss your tea.”
His story makes me question my ways of building relationships or keeping them. The way he remembers and greets years old aluminii of MSU always surprises me.
Video by Friends Republic
I can slowly conclude that some people are indeed like a gem. Precious to many.