Kalyani General Store

Kalyani General Store is right here in Sewala, Agra, on the same Gwalior Road. It’s funny how many shops are lined up along this way, but we all have our own regulars. I handle a lot of the daily sales myself. The shop has a heavy metal shutter that I have to heave up every morning at seven. My back usually lets out a little groan when I do it. Inside, it smells a bit like incense because I light a stick near the small shrine every day. I sell things like salt, spices, and notebooks for the school kids. The 282001 area is busy, but we feel like a small community. People come in to ask for directions quite often because of the main road. I don't mind helping out. The floor is concrete and I try to keep it clean, but people bring in a lot of sand on their shoes. I have an old wooden counter that’s been here since I opened. It has some scratches on it, but it’s sturdy. I don't have any help, so if I need to step out, I just pull the shutter halfway down. Most people understand. It’s a simple shop for simple needs. I enjoy the routine of it, checking what’s running low and making a list for the wholesaler. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s mine.