Freshly brewed thoughts

Rosee-T
4 days ago
9 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Every cup of tea is brewed with a careful balance of ingredients. Versatile as the drink is, it has something to offer to all palates. And of course, the beloved "chai pe charche" is facilitated by this little cup.

Behind that cup of tea lies a life, lesser known. The dastoor passed on from one generation to the next, though moulded over time, continues to hold its essence. "So...How do you like tea?" was a testament to the lives of tea memsaabs and their unique experiences. I'm grateful that you could join me on this journey of "chai ke charche," and greatly indebted to your love, support, and encouragement that made this book a reality.

While writing and compiling it was exciting, reading your reactions, some of which I'm sharing here, made it truly satisfactory!

Here's what you said:

Mr. K.S. David says:

I had quite a few years ago, read a few of Nandita's stories on her blog and was impressed. I urged her to compile it into a book. She has now done so; but only a part! There are many more exciting stories which I am sure will come out soon. Her stories take me back in time, 55 years ago, when "Tea Life" was really a Planters dream! Times change, people change, and priorities change as the Bard said," old order changeth, yielding place to new"- Well, I miss that "old order"! Wish Nandita all the best for this book, and look forward to the next!

Col. Gurmeet Singh Gill says:

KUDOS got the book and read the 18 holes of GOLF ⛳ today, stories of 18 wonderful women of TEA compiled by Nandita!

My first ever interaction with the planters was with Hathigarh, then many more followed, found the best men and women in tea estates, ROSY happens to be my GOLF ⛳ student who stands on the first GOLF HOLE of the book written by NANDITA who has played many times with us in Jalpaiguri. My investment is worth it in the book which will find a place in my personal library, so felt like sharing the above photo of my most favourite golf ⛳ club Army Golf Club Pune with my security expert Col R Sharma who invited me for breakfast on 19 February 26. The photo shared especially to the most favourite tea man called Akhil and most wonderful soul called Nandita, proud to have known you and your most wonderful angels Anmol & Apoorva , stay blessed.

You have inspired me a lot today when I read about the 18 Girls of tea estates.

Ever Grateful for the great association with good people like you and many more like Keshav Chandel, Maharaj Mehta and many more of the tea gardens of the east, as Jorhat and Golaghat Districts were given to us for full support under our Brigade in 2002 - 2003, it offered me a good opportunity to know a lot of planters akin to the Army way of life they have.

With a lot of regards

Col Gurmeet Singh Gill

A true Friend and GOLF TEACHING PRO of INDIA & USA

Mr. Inderjeet Oberoi says:

“So…how do like tea” is a truly special collection of stories that dives into the messy, beautiful reality of the human experience. As a fan of non-fiction, I often find that the best stories are the ones that actually happened, and this book delivers.

I was immediately drawn in by the author's voice—it felt like chatting with a close friend. The stories are varied in tone and subject, making it easy to read in one sitting or savour over a few days.

Each tale is packed with authentic emotion and relatable struggles, and it is rare to find in one collection.

Anyone who loves true stories, emotional storytelling, or simply needs a reminder of the magic in everyday life will definitely find this collection of true stories compelling as well as captivating, taking the reader deep into the realms of the lives of these newbie memsaabs on the plantations.

Mr. Ivan Chhetri says:

These stories take me back to my years in tea, recalling the warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength of the Tea Memsaabs I had the privilege to know. Nandita’s thoughtful compilation beautifully preserves the spirit and memories of a truly distinctive way of life.

Mr. Vikas Shrivastav says:

This coffee table book beautifully captures the essence of life in the tea gardens—its simplicity, resilience, and quiet charm. Through evocative memories and imagery, it offers a heartfelt glimpse into a world where tradition and nature coexist in perfect harmony. A truly enriching and nostalgic tribute.

Nature is best enjoyed live... But photos and imagery come a close second

Mrs. Bubbles Khanna says:

This heartfelt gem, "So how do you like Tea?" has revived all my memories of my early days in Assam—from a new bride to a life filled with the best times and lifelong friends. The many shared stories of us as new brides in the tea gardens are still discussed, laughed over, and fondly reminisced about. Must read and enjoy the good old days.

Mr. Kiran K Mehra says:

True stories, narrated extremely well, with subtle humour, that serve to chronicle the lives, neigh hilarious travails, of young brides, in their new environs, in the tea plantations of NE India.

Each short story brings out facets of life that served to help young women, mostly from urban India, settle into life on a plantation that has a wonderful rhythm - all its own. And made them special contributors to a proud, happy community who live, work & celebrate their lives in an enchantingly beautiful part of the Country.

Thank you, Nandita

Excerpt from: 'Afternoon dates with the Ambassador - So...How do you like tea?'

Mr. Anoop Capoor says:

Lovely book you have written. It was worth getting the book and going through it, brought back old memories of tea. Nostalgic indeed!

Mrs. Sucharita Bhattacharya says:

I sincerely appreciate your expertise in putting up this project, "So, how do you like Tea?" It was simply awesome and made nostalgic reading for all the tea ladies. Somewhere, we all connected and related to the stories. 😊

Mr. Vijendra Pratap Sahi says:

So...How Do You Like Tea? A collection of real-life experiences of a New Bride in the Tea Estates, a masterpiece, exquisitely written and narrated by the eloquent yet understated Nandita.

However, for her many short stories about life in the Tea Estates, she writes with professional ease, bringing to life the varied experiences of the Tea Planters and their wives, with artistic grace. At the heart of "So...How Do You Like Tea?" is the Brides' adjustment. She arrives unsure, observant & highly overwhelmed. Her learning curve is social as much as practical; understanding the workers' lives, reading the expectations of the households and negotiating her role beside her husband.

Through these rituals, so well detailed by the writer, the reader absorbs the estate's culture: who holds authority & how traditions govern behaviour.

A great read and yet another valuable gem in my collection of Coffee table books.

Wishing Nandita all the very best in her future endeavours!!!

Excerpt from: 'A Lady's Finger - So...How do you like tea?'

Mr. Yashraj Singh says:

The author's storytelling creates a vivid picture of a unique community where relationships and experiences are deeply cherished. The narratives feel personal and heartfelt, reflecting both the strength and the grace of the tea memsaabs.

Wonderfully compiled book "So how do you like Tea?" Keep going with many more such comforting yet rich-flavoured...

Dr. C. P. Chaudhury says:

These intricately woven stories are really insightful and reveal the unique lifestyle of the plantations. Reading these true experiences from the book "So how do you like Tea?" brings to life the warmth, hopes, challenges, and authenticity of the beautiful, serene, lush green landscapes.

Thank you so much Nandita, for taking us on a trip down memory lane.

Mr. Bhuvan Lall says:

The book "So how do you like Tea?" has a personal touch, which is the most interesting part. We look at the tea garden through Rosee's eyes. The description is picturesque and almost palpable. Her description has a 3D effect that brings forth the elite lifestyle of the tea garden to life.

The quality of the printing and paper is superb.

Only one complaint: more pics should have been there!! Dil maange more!

Excerpt from: 'The night life - So...How do you like tea?'

Mr. Harsh Kumar says:

Through the voices of friends, this collection of stories in the form of the book "So how do you like Tea?" becomes more than memory; it is a tapestry of journeys—of beginnings, struggles, seasons of growth, and moments of reflection. There is a certain stillness in tea life, yet within it, flows a depth of experience that shapes both the land and the people who belong to it.

Mrs. Rita (Bawa) Singh says:

"So How Do You Like Tea..." Mmmmm....

Frankly speaking, I not only loved the book, I also revelled in the experience of going back into a "time machine" that has now become part of my DNA 🧬!

Your book, Nandita, has done just that! Activating a memory recall button!

You have very beautifully, woven a mosaic of a life-style, which is so unique, that it will certainly invite the incredulous awe of anyone who picks it up and flips through the pages.

These pages are not just readings, they speak of tears and laughter, bonding and memories.

Nandita, you have captured the essence of our lives on the estates.

A life we cherish, and relive in our hearts and minds, for posterity.

Thank you for giving immortality to an amazing "Way of Life"!

Col. PK Dube (Retd). says:

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these pictures, interspersed with these life stories, make these gems of 24 carats worth a million words.

RoseeT, in her maiden attempt as an author, has been splendid in transcending memories of yesteryears into a vivid tale of contemporary tea life.

From "Slow Simmer" to the "River that became home," it's a non-stop flight that provides a cool breeze of laughter, empathy and insight to T(he) life, lesser known to the outer world. Best wishes!

Ms. Vandana Oberoi says:

The best part of your coffee table book "So how do you like Tea?" is that it brings back the old memories and the wonderful tea days. I indeed want to compliment you for the visual beauty, tactile quality and its ability to act as a conversational centrepiece.

Mrs. Kalyani Dutta says:

Nothing could be more exciting than reading about the womderful life we shared with the ladies you mentioned in your book, dear Nandita.

Your first attempt has been noteworthy and much appreciated. May you continue to regale us with stories of the past. Wishing the very best for the future.

Beautifully compiled words by Mrs. Kalyani Dutta

Mr. Surendra Panwar says:

Tales of new bride is an awesome art of writing, a new bride hailing from different backgrounds and settling in lap of nature with their saheibs….

I enjoyed reading the book "So How do you like Tea?" Thank you.

Mr. Pranay Gupta says:

Thanks for the beautiful book. Just reading “ So… How Do You Like Tea?”

…and thoroughly enjoying it. It’s brilliant and most engaging.

Growing up in the tea gardens ourselves, my sister and I saw that world through our parents and grandparents, so the stories rang very true and delightful indeed.

You’ve captured beautifully that idyllic world and that unique planter’s life—the forested and verdant gardens, the slightly crazy yet charming rhythms (unmatched anywhere in the world perhaps) of tea estate living, and those lingering Raj-era charming idiosyncrasies and vocabulary that make the tea world so very, very distinctive. It was a journey of the heart, set amidst a world that was so distinct and unique and unparalleled …

Its authenticity naturally comes from the fact that youlls are an amazing planter couple and knowing that both of you have lived this life yourselves and raised your family in the plantations. The book is a lovely celebration of that extraordinary and very special world….

Much gratitude.

Excerpt from: 'A Chariot ride - So...How do you like tea?'

Mrs. Reshma Kumar says:

"So..How do you like tea?"Mrs Tiwari, it was a pleasure reading the journey of tea Memsaabs…the book is engaging, witty, relatable and brought back memories close to heart ❤️ thank u and Aproova for compiling ..looking forward to the next one.