Chai with Dad: A Heartfelt Tribute

What my father in law taught me about chai, cuisine, and career

“Here’s your chai, dhikri.” My father-in-law pours me a cup of a fragrant brown elixir into a Pioneer Woman mug. A  term of endearment in Gujarati, dhikri means heart. It’s like a pet name used for children and those we love.  

The steam swirls above the mug, as I inhale the aroma of ginger, cardamom, and mint leaves. I lean over the granite countertop, as he continues to strain the chai into 2 more cups by the stove.

“Dad, can I do that for you?” I ask, referring to the serving of the tea. It was my job, I thought, to serve him the tea as the daughter-in-law. I was taught to follow a certain adab of service.

“No, dhikri.” He places two steamy mugs on a white Corelle plate, with a small bowl of cake rusk. He carries this breakfast up the stairs to his wife, as they get ready for the work day together.

Mom fits in a quick workout on her stationary bike, while Dad watches the news and figures out his stocks and grocery list for the day. I can hear the tv and them talking from downstairs.…