Ali Kirana & General

Ali Kirana & General is right on Station Road in Sadat Nagar. If you know Aurangabad, you know how busy this stretch can get. We see all sorts of people. Some are just passing through from the station, and others have lived here forever. The shop is full of the basics. We’ve got soaps, detergents, and those big glass jars full of biscuits. I spend most of my day behind the wooden counter. It’s worn down from years of use. I don’t mind. It has character. I try to keep the stock fresh, but sometimes the delivery truck is late. That's just how things go. We don't have any big marketing plans. People come here because they know we have what they need. I usually have the radio playing softly in the back. It keeps me company when it's quiet. The heat in the afternoon makes everyone a bit sleepy. I usually take a small break then, sitting on a plastic chair. Then the evening rush starts when people are coming home from work. It gets loud and crowded for a few hours. I handle the money and pack the bags as fast as I can. It’s hard work, but it’s my work. We just keep the doors open and wait for the next person to walk in. The tea from the guy next door is the best part of the morning. My legs get tired from standing, but that is part of life.