Death of a chai khana

On a landmark's unnoticed passing

- Mayank Austen Soofi

Some places go away discreetly, making no fuss. One day they are here among us. Next day, gone. Their presence is stitched so seamlessly into the fabric of our everyday world, that it takes some time to be aware of their absence.

The long-time Salim Tea Stall—more like a tea house—shut down unnoticed some months ago. It was located in Old Delhi's Matia Mahal Bazar, close to the monumental Jama Masjid, a very touristy area. Almost every eatery and guest house here, every stall and shop, is so specifically curated for the tourists that a great part of the stretch has nothing spiritually common with the more inward galis and kuchas of the old quarter.