Tawakkal

In Gulbarga, the heat can really get to you, especially in the middle of the day. We are based in Iqbal Colony, right near the old M S K Mill in the Jeelanabad area. Most people around here call it the mill area, and it has a long history of being a place where people work hard. Our shop, Tawakkal, is just a small part of this neighborhood. We don’t have a big sign or anything flashy. The building is an older one, and the rooms stay relatively cool because of the thick walls, which is a blessing in the Karnataka summers. We spend our days doing whatever comes through the door. There is no typical day for us. One minute it’s quiet and we’re just sitting on the porch, and the next minute it’s a rush. The colony is a tight-knit place, so we know most of the people who walk past our door. We share stories and news over small cups of tea. Sometimes we stay late when there is a lot to finish, and other times we close up early if the weather is too much or if there’s a local festival. We aren't trying to be the biggest business in Gulbarga. We just want to do our part and live a decent life. It’s a bit dusty and the roads could be better, but Jeelanabad has its own charm if you stay long enough.