In Dilip Chitre’s heart touching account of his father’s monotonous life, ‘stale chapati’ and ‘weak tea’ are indications of the lack of care and compassion for the man. This is an image of isolation of a man in his own home where nobody takes care of him at the old age. He is regarded as an outdated, unwanted burden, though he seems to be the only earning member of the family. That is why nobody cares to offer him good tea or a good meal.

The poet’s father became rather accustomed to such rejection and monotony and so he didn’t complain. As we see, he rather concentrates on reading a book while having his tea. He has probably given up on expecting more care form his family members.