Chai, Chai is a delightful and insightful journey into the small towns that sit behind India’s busiest railway junctions. When Bishwanath Ghosh stepped off a train at Itarsi for a quick cup of chai, he realized how little we know about the places that connect the entire nation—towns that are always stopovers but rarely destinations. This curiosity set him off on an exploration of Itarsi, Mughal Sarai, Jhansi, Shoranur, Arakkonam and Jolarpettai. With warmth, humour and a keen eye for detail, Ghosh uncovers the everyday life, history and quirks of these overlooked yet fascinating places. A definitive work on small-town India, Chai, Chai continues to charm readers with its wit, humanity and rare perspective.