How to complicate the humble “Desi Chai” on the menu at Chaayos:

(I had already spent 10 minutes — pre-COVID era — going through the list of Desi Chai, Sulemani Tea [whatever it is], Aam Papad Chai [Really!?], Baarish Wali Chai [They put rainwater in it, I guess], Pahadi Chai [I was told it is Kangra Tea. Being a Pahadi myself, I’d thought probably they add double dose of sugar or is salted tea] and other huge list of utter confusion. So, to keep things simple, I ordered Desi Chai.)

Salesperson: Sir, zyada doodh wali ya kam doodh wali?
Me: Zyada.

Salesperson: Sir, adrak, saunf, ilaichi wagera kuch dalna hai?
Me: Adrak and ilaichi will do.

Salesperson: Sir, kadak ya normal?
Me (keeping a check on my nerves): Yaar desi chai hai, jaisi hai waisi de do.

Salesperson: Sir, paper cup mein lenge ya kulhad mein?
Me: Yaar chai de do. Jaisi bhi hai.

Salesperson: Sir, taste ka farak padta hai.
Me: (It’s 2.30 AM at one of the 24X7 Chaayos outlets) (Now irritated): Yaar paper cup mein de do. Mujhe is waqt koi farak nahi padta.

Salesperson: Sir, farak to padta hai. 20 Rupay ka faraq hai donon mein.