Santosh Pan

I have this small spot at Vaishali 430. It is not much more than a wooden cabin really, but it serves the purpose. I spend my whole day sitting behind the counter, reaching for different containers and preparing the leaves. The space is tight, so everything has to be within arm's length. I have my jars of tobacco, betel nuts, and all the various pastes lined up just the way I like them. People in Vaishali are always on the move, so they usually just stop their scooters, grab what they need, and head off. I know most of the people who come here by their first name or at least by what they usually order. The evening time is when the most people show up, standing around the stall and chatting for a bit. I don't have a big staff, it is mostly just me or a family member helping out. We keep a small radio playing sometimes to pass the time. The weather affects us a lot since we are basically on the sidewalk. When it rains, we have to pull the plastic sheets down quickly to keep the supplies dry. It’s a simple business. I don't have a website or any ads. If people like what I make, they come back and tell their friends. That is how it has been for years now. I just try to keep the leaves fresh and the jars full.