Narendra Gilash

Narendra Gilash is right at the Baradwari Chauraha in Aligarh. We are situated near Numaeish Road, which is a very busy part of the city. There is always a lot of dust and noise coming from the street because of the rickshaws and motorbikes constantly passing by. Our shop is a typical Aligarh business where we deal with glass and hardware items. It’s not a clean or quiet place. We have sheets of glass leaning against the walls and the smell of cutting oil in the air. The floor usually has some bits of scrap on it that we sweep up at the end of the day. We’ve been at this intersection for years. Most people in the neighborhood know us by name. We don't spend money on big ads or anything. We just keep the doors open and wait for the regulars to come in with their measurements. Sometimes we have to work late when a big order comes in, especially during the wedding season or when new houses are being built nearby. It’s a very hands-on job. We have a small back room where we keep the more expensive stock. The power goes out sometimes, so we have to use flashlights to finish up the paperwork. It’s just how life is here at the Chauraha. We do our work, talk to the neighbors, and close up when the sun goes down.