Sri Chowdeshwari Rice Store

Sri Chowdeshwari Rice Store is on Rabrindranath Tagore Nagar 11th Main, 37th Cross. It is full of sacks. Every corner has rice bags stacked up high. You have to be careful walking through the aisles or you will catch your sleeve on something. The air always smells like grain and a bit of dust. I have got different kinds in open bins so people can see what they are getting. Some want the fine grains and others want the bulk stuff for hotels. I use an old metal scoop that belonged to my father. It is worn smooth at the edges. My scales are digital now which makes things faster but I still miss the old balance scales sometimes. People come in and talk about the prices going up. I just listen and nod. I don't set the prices I just sell it. It is heavy work moving these bags around. I usually have a helper but today he is out so I am doing it all. My shirt gets covered in white dust by noon. The shop stays relatively cool because of all the stone inside. I keep the ledger in a drawer under the counter. It is a bit messy with notes scribbled everywhere. The traffic outside on the 11th main is always loud but inside it feels a bit slower. I close up when the streetlights come on. It is a long day but it is what I know. We have been here for a long time.