Umang Kumar Arun Kirana Store

The name on the sign is Umang Kumar Arun Kirana Store, right here in Palwal. It’s a long name for a small shop, but everyone just knows where we are. We have been sitting in this same spot, selling basic grains and kitchen items. I usually start the day with a cup of tea before the first customer arrives. The shelves are packed high with all sorts of jars and packets. I have to use a small stool to reach the top ones. It’s mostly just the basics, nothing too fancy. People come in asking for specific things they need for dinner that night. I know most of the families in the area. We talk about the weather or the local news while I bag their items. Palwal is a place where people still talk to each other. The shop gets a bit crowded in the evenings when everyone is heading home. I try to keep things organized, but sometimes the boxes pile up in the corner. I deal with many different suppliers, so there’s always someone coming in to drop off crates. It’s a lot of paperwork and manual labor. My back hurts sometimes from lifting the rice sacks, but it’s just part of the job. We stay open until late to make sure everyone gets what they need. It is a noisy, busy place, but it is ours and we keep it going every single day.