Steaming Masala Chai on Marble Table

A translucent clay cup filled with dark masala chai sits centered on a polished white marble table. Thick white steam rises from the surface, curling into the soft, warm glow of overhead tungsten lights. The marble surface reflects the cup's base and the faint, amber reflections of the room's interior. Deep shadows pool in the corners of the table, against the bright, golden light hitting the liquid's rim. Condensation beads on the exterior of the clay, catching the lamplight in tiny, sharp highlights. The heavy steam drifts upward, blurring the dark background where the night outside remains unseen. A final drop of liquid rests on the rim, shimmering against the rough texture of the clay.