Loknath Chhedi Lal

Our shop is right near the Samleshwari Temple. It's a busy spot, especially during festivals when the whole street is packed with people. Loknath Chhedi Lal has been here for a long time. It’s a family thing, passed down through a couple of generations. We open up early because that’s when the first group of people comes to the temple. The space isn't very large, so things are stacked up pretty high. We mostly sell everyday items that people need when they come this way. It gets very hot in the afternoons, so we usually sit under the fan and talk to the regulars. We know almost everyone who walks by. It’s a simple life. We don't do much advertising; people just know we are here. Sometimes the rains are heavy and water comes right up to the doorstep, so we have to move stuff quickly. We handle the sales ourselves, me and my sons. There’s no fancy computer system, just an old ledger and a cash box. We like it that way. It’s a bit dusty because of the road, but we clean up every morning. You hear the temple bells all day long, which is a nice sound to work to. We aren't looking to expand or do anything big. We just want to keep the shop running like it always has. It’s about being part of the neighborhood and serving the people who visit. We stay here because this is where we belong.