Virender Paan Bhandaar

Dasna Gate in Ghaziabad is an old area. It’s got a lot of history and a lot of people moving around at all hours. My shop, Virender Paan Bhandaar, is right there in the thick of it. It’s been in the same spot for a long time. The wooden counter is a bit worn out now, but it works fine for what we do. I spend my evenings mostly making pans for the people who come out after they finish their dinner. The light from the street lamp outside isn't very bright, but I know where everything is kept. I keep the kattha and lime in the same corner every single day. People come here to talk as much as they come for the pan. They tell me about their day or the latest news. I just listen and keep my hands moving. It’s a small space, barely enough for two people to stand inside at once. But we make it work. I don't use any fancy machines or anything. Everything is done by hand, the old way. Sometimes the supply of good leaves is short, and I have to hunt around the wholesale market early in the morning. It’s a lot of running around, but I’ve done it my whole life. The gate area is always noisy, with rickshaws and people talking, but I find it comfortable. It’s just home for me and my small business.