Sadiq Basha

My place is on Muthaiya Street in Royapettah. It’s a small shop, number 40 now, though it used to be called 32/2 back in the day. This neighborhood is where I’ve spent a lot of my time. It’s a busy street with people always moving about. I run things myself with a little help here and there. It isn't a corporate office or anything polished like that. It’s just a local spot where people come when they need something. The walls have some scuffs and the floor is worn from years of use. I like it that way because it shows we’ve been here. I don’t believe in making things look better than they are. People know what they are getting when they walk through the door. I try to be fair with everyone who stops by. Sometimes I’m behind on paperwork because I’m busy talking to a neighbor. That’s just how it goes when you’ve been in one place for a long time. Royapettah is a tight-knit area, and everyone knows everyone. I don't have a fancy mission statement or a ten-year plan. I just want to keep the doors open and do right by the people on Muthaiya Street. It’s a simple life, but it suits me just fine. If you’re in the area, you’ll find me here most days, just doing my thing. I’ve seen kids grow up and start their own families while I’ve been sitting in this same spot.