EXTRACT FROM MY DIARY

• It was a December night of my teen years, pleasantly cold, we had done with our mid term exams, a spontaneous plan was made to escape from the hustle bustle of citylife to a nearby place. 
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• The weekend getaway was decided. One of my father's dear friend had a second home at Awas village near Alibaug beach. Though he was not accompanying us, he made sure that we would have great time at his well furnished cottage, with his cook and caretaker. 
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• Next day, early morning with the picnic mood on, skipping our breakfast, we took a ferry boat from Gateway of India to Revdanda. 
  
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• As it was a quick plan, also the cottage equipped with a cook, we did not pack any snacks or titbits. 
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• After we reached Revdanda, we had to walk a distance of 2 kms to reach the Awas village. 
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• On a winter morning, with a temperature hovering around 10 degrees, we were walking through the narrow muddy road amidst dense trees, heading towards the cottage, desperately wanting to stop for a while and grab a bite. 
  
• There it was....!!! 
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• One CHAI TAPRIWALA came to our rescue. With a warm smile he whipped out glasses, poured steaming adarakwali chai and served it  with bread and some butter on it. 
  
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• Resting on a bench, we silently and hungrily munch our way through  UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE BEST CHAI PREPARATIONS THAT I HAVE EVER HAD!  
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• During our conversation with him my little Bro complained about the taste of the butter, 
• Pat came the reply with a witty smile and a twinkle in eyes from the tapriwala 
• "SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN AJIBAT NOTHING "
• I would mention here that" ajibat "is a Marathi word that means "Absolutely" 

• These words coming from him hit me and still keeps me grounded. 
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• That was some 35 years back. 
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• Come December on a winter night of this year, planning to spend a weekend at a nearby place, down the memory lane my visit to AWAS was revived. 
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• After a span of nearly three decades the place has come up as one of the most loved weekend getaway with the clean beach, well maintained roads and lovely resorts equipped with all sorts of amenities and Mouthwatering eateries. 
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• But...
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     THAT TAPRIWALA, THAT CHAI, THOSE WORDS,  
•   I will remember for many years after I have forgotten the hungry walk from  Revdanda to the cottage at Aawas!!! 
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