Sanjay Kirana

This is my kirana shop over in Om Nagar, near the 10 No area in Arera Hills. I’ve been at Shop No1 for quite some time. It’s a decent spot in Bhopal, though the hills make for some steep walking if you’re coming from the main road. I sell mostly the usual kitchen staples like spices, oil, and lentils. People around here know me as the guy who’s always got a radio playing in the corner. The shop isn't very big, so I have to use every inch of wall space for shelves. Sometimes the jars are stacked so high I need the little stool to reach them. It’s a bit dusty sometimes because of the road work nearby, but I try to wipe the counters down when it’s slow. I get my supplies from the main market every few days. I don't really do much advertising; people just know I'm here. It’s nice seeing the same families come in year after year. The kids who used to buy toffees are now buying bags of wheat for their own homes. It makes me feel a bit old, honestly. The lights inside are a little dim, but it stays cool enough in the shade. I stay open until the last few people finish their work and head home. Just a regular neighborhood kirana store, nothing more than that. I often spend my afternoons sitting on a plastic chair near the door, watching the traffic go by while I wait for the evening rush. It's a quiet existence.