Nitish Kirana Store

Our shop is tucked away at E-119 in Lajpat Nagar. Sahibabad is a busy place, and we are right in the middle of it. This store has been running for years. I spend most of my day standing behind the counter or moving boxes around the back. We keep all the basic groceries people in Ghaziabad need for their kitchens. There are sacks of rice stacked up near the entrance and rows of cooking oil bottles. Sometimes the power goes out, and we just use a torch to find things for the customers. It is a small space, but we pack a lot into it. You can find everything from soap bars to tea leaves here. The neighbors stop by to chat while they wait for their change. My kids sometimes hang out here after school. It’s a bit cramped when three or four people come in at once. We don't have a big sign or anything, just the usual local feel. I keep a close eye on the stock because things like milk and bread go fast in the morning. Writing down accounts in the ledger takes up my evening. It is hard work, but this is what we know. The street outside can get quite noisy with the traffic from the main road, but inside it’s just the sound of the fan and the smell of spices.