Author Andaeeb Wajid read from the new book at the press conference | Photo source: Special arrangement
The latest work by Bengaluru writer Andaleeb Wajid Learn to drink tea for a It is a profound personal memoir. The book explores her journey of love, loss and sorrow, and was released on May 10 at Champaca Bookstore.
The event features a conversation between Andaeeb and journalist Shrabonthi Bagchi, during which the author reads excerpts from the book and discusses her writing process. “I lost my husband Mansoor and mother-in-law, during Covid-19. The pain starts to go away as you move on from the sad memories, but I want to stick with it. There are so many things about my relationship with both of them, and I want to stay alive.”
Learning to make tea for a tea cover | Photo source: Special arrangement
Andaeeb, who has authored over 50 novels, shares that she started writing the book by restoring each memory and writing it down. “It’s a very painful process. Every time I have to open the document and add it to the manuscript, I’m often scared. I can’t focus on it all the time, so I’m resting and even studying other stories at the same time.”
Andaleeb Wajid signed book at Champaca Bookstore in Bangalore | Photo source: Special arrangement
For the longest time, no one in her family knew that Andalib was writing a book about her sad journey. “But I want to look through this somehow without giving up all the time. I realize there are a lot of patterns that need to be broken when sad,” she said.
Tea time ceremony
The book itself is titled as Andaeeb’s new habits that he strives to develop after his loved one’s death. Although none of me did a tea time ceremony with them, I made tea for the three of us every night, which has become my default action – always measuring three cups of tea. When I first get home after passing, I will automatically start like before, like before, and I will never make this glass of wine for me again until I stop – I only make tea for myself.
She added that writing the book helped her overcome her grief and push her life. “I’ve always been a writing instinct; it provides me with a sense of control. When I write, I find a space to clear my thoughts about my life experience.”
“I hope readers acknowledge their sorrow when reading this book. Over the years, I learned that no one really wanted to talk about it, but I hope the book will help.”
Learn to drink tea for a It is available online on Amazon and talks about the Tiger website. This book can also be sold offline at the bookstore for €499
publishing – May 19, 2025 at 11:29 am
