In the West, tea is a beverage. In India, Chai is a verb, an excuse, and a mediator. The story begins at 4 AM in every city and village, where a chaiwala (tea seller) lights his kerosene stove. The sound of boiling milk and ginger being crushed is the country's alarm clock.

. By midday, the street would be a chaotic symphony—the cry of the vegetable vendor on his bicycle, the chime of the temple bell, and the persistent hum of delivery scooters bringing pizza to the youngsters who were too busy to cook.