The muddy road and the tea shop

The dust flew each time a vehicle passed by. The roadside shops were covered in dust. The tea shop helper tried hard to sweep away the dust from the tables once every five minutes or so. He himself looked very 'dusty' so much that you would think it was fit to call him so. Yet, the locals preferred his tea. There were also glass jars that had biscuits also called biskoots by the locals and some rusks. Some even wondered if he ever cleaned his teapot but his tea was always very tasty.

Backpack tourists always visited this shop and drank tea. It was cheap and they could grab a quick bite. If they were lucky, he would offer them a small meal in exchange for a photo with him. The fair skin was even now admired by the locals, even worshipped.

So, why was this teashop important. True enough, it was nothing compared to the tea shops of the city. Rumour was that the coffee in the city cost as much as a month's ration. The tea shop owner couldn't believe that. He told his wife and children that the story might be untrue. How could anyone ever charge such a huge sum for a cup of coffee?

He did have a curiosity though. To go to the city and try one of those coffees. His wife did not like the idea of spending so much money on a coffee. So, he and his son decided to go to the city to drink a cup of coffee.

The story soon spread in the village. Everyone was intrigued. The day came and the father and son bade everyone goodbye and boarded the bus to the city. They had to clean themselves thoroughly and wear newly washed and starched clothes for the occasion.

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The so-called coffee shop was located in the mall. There were so many people who were going in and out. Luckily, they met a tourist who had been to their tea shop and she insisted on taking them to the coffee shop when she heard his intentions.

The tourist ordered their coffees and it came finally after a wait. A tall white glass with some designs and a 'lady's face' with his name written on it. It was really hot. He was really excited and decided to take a sip. After a sip, he and his son looked at each other.

Their faces fell. The tourist looked at them and told. I know, right. This does not even come near the coffee prepared by your wife and it costs a lot. Needless to say, the duo did not enjoy it very much. They did not forget to buy some gifts for the wife.

Having visited the mall, the tea shop owner got an idea, though. He spent some money and erected glass walls so that the tables did not collect dust. He also sent his wife to a baking class and she made some really good pastries and cakes which were an instant hit. The tourist returned and published a story about them in the paper which attracted more customers.

The road was still a mud road though because the politicians never came back except to ask for a vote during the elections.

©sayee