Bismi Stores

Our shop is located on Chitti Street in Poonamallee, right opposite the Government Hospital. Because of where we are, we see all sorts of people. Some are just passing through, and others are staying at the hospital and need things like towels, soap, or bottled water. We stay open quite late because the hospital never really sleeps, and there’s always someone looking for a snack. The shop itself is simple, with basic metal racks and a small wooden counter where we keep the register. It’s at No.9/20, and it’s a fairly old building. The paint on the front door is chipped and faded, but it stays open all day to let the breeze in. We sell a lot of snacks and drinks, especially when it’s hot outside. Chennai summers are no joke, so we try to keep the fridge stocked with cold sodas. We don't have a big team of people working here, just a couple of us who take turns sitting at the front. Sometimes it’s quiet and I can read the paper, and other times there’s a line of five people all wanting something different at once. We just take it as it comes. It’s a practical place for practical needs. We’ve been here for years, and most of the hospital staff know us by name now. It’s just a small part of the life on Chitti Street. We close up when the late shift changes.