Kaapi Blues

Ever wondered what your favorite drink is? Pepsi or coke is probably the first variety that pops in mind. Perhaps fresh fruit juices? Lemon n mint? How about a cup of tea? Nah, I think I'll just stick with coffee. What could be better than your day starting with the aroma of fresh coffee - the life source for many of us!
Being a South-Indian, a hard-core Madarasi, from the Tam-Brahm infested Mylapore, I never had the coffee-drinking habit! God forbid! Over the last thirty odd years, the last thing I wanted to hear was how tasty coffee was. Those were the days when the very smell put me off entirely. During our customary morning-family coffee drinking sessions (I'd have Bournvita or Horlicks like most other regular children); I'd insist on all coffee-drinkers to gargle their mouth lest the pungent coffee smells dominates the air you breathe.
I think as adolescents, it is difficult to develop a tolerance to caffeine. Let's face it, like alcohol or smoking, drinking coffee is also an acquired habit. Like a drug, coffee gets you addicted to drinking it every time. You enjoy its great taste and turn to coffee to get your energy boost for the day. You really can’t ignore the adrenaline-rush and mental acceleration that comes from caffeine. In fact, drinking coffee has become so addictive that some people can’t get through the day without downing several cups in the morning, noon and night. And to make the heavy confession, I am one of those 'people'.
Unknowingly the habit crept into my life. Thanks to all those endless meetings that were hosted in myriad cafes. What I tried so hard to gulp down as courtesy soon became my palate's favourite. When I think of it, falling in line with a habit is as tough as getting out of it. Since it took me 30 years to acquire the taste for coffee, I am allowed 30 more years to get out of it!
Today, like wine, coffee has even evolved into a social drink, with many of us spending generously on sugar-loaded concoctions from various branded outlets. The bigger the brand, the better the coffee or so we think. One dose of coffee and ah! To express the feeling of freshness! Oh, the aroma! Ah, the flavour! However, in reality the caffeine in coffee does not create real energy or alleviate any tiredness. It is only a strong stimulant that provides a sudden, temporary jolt to your system, hence the feeling of alertness. But who cares? One filter coffee, please...
Addiction to some food or beverage is a given, to us by us for us and remaining healthy and strong throughout life is a battle. What is important is that we are aware - and then you can get on with life - with coffee addiction or whatever. Oh! Here comes my kaapi!