I feel like the story about the tea is just a subtle way of Chaintanya to imply the greediness of the upper class. The 'lady' exploited the community by controlling the surrounding and when they demanded what is rightfully theirs, she punish them and made them suffer. The tea is a representation of greediness - the lady loved so dearly.  The 'Moonlight Thurston' tea became the center of her affection, it fueled her to control the market by not letting the community know its value and giving them wages that are not enough for their living. I love how Chaintanya presented the whole story, although I must say, the actors & actresses did not do justice to their powerful roles - but who cares! the story is great.