Ved Prakash General Store

Our shop is at House Number 10 in the Factory Area of Faridabad. Being in an industrial zone means our day-to-day is a bit different than a shop in a residential neighborhood. We get a lot of workers from the nearby factories coming in during their breaks or after their shifts are over. They usually want quick snacks, cold drinks, or matches. We also keep basic grocery items for the people who live in the small quarters around here. The area is quite dusty because of all the trucks and manufacturing going on, so we spend a lot of time wiping down the jars and the counter. It can get very loud with the machinery running nearby, but you get used to the sound after a while. The shop is small and basic, with just enough room for a couple of people to stand inside at once. We stay open late because many of the workers have long shifts and need things before they go home for the night. It’s a simple operation and we don't have any fancy equipment or computers. We just keep a notebook to track what we need to buy next. The summer heat in Faridabad is no joke, especially in this part of town with all the metal and concrete. We just keep the water cold and the fans running. It’s hard work, but we have been here for a long time.