Rutuja Kirna Store

My family runs the Rutuja Kirna Store in Jamod, right over in Ward No-6. We are located very close to the Kali Mandir, so we see a lot of people passing by on their way to pray. It’s a small place, but we pack in as much as we can on the shelves. We sell the basics like rice, dal, oil, and sugar. In the mornings, I get here early to sweep the front and bring in the fresh milk packets. The shop can get a bit dusty because of the road, but we try to keep the counters wiped down. People from the neighborhood come in for their daily needs, and I usually know most of them by name. We also have some snacks and chocolates for the kids who stop by after school. Sometimes the supply truck is late, and I have to explain to the aunties why we don’t have their favorite brand of tea yet. It’s a lot of lifting heavy bags and weighing out grain for people. The bell on the door rings all day long. I don't have a computer here, just a notebook where I write down what we need to order next. It’s hard work being on your feet all day, especially when the weather is hot, but it's what we do. We’ve been part of this street for years now and just keep doing our daily work.