Hazra Stores

Hazra Stores has been standing here at Kamarshala More for many years now. I took over from my father, and not much has changed since his time. We are on Jhinkra Road in the Howrah district. The building is old and the walls could use a fresh coat of lime wash, but it serves its purpose. I focus on selling things that people in this neighborhood use every day. That means a lot of mustard oil, loose tea leaves, and heavy sacks of rice. I have a big old wooden counter that has grown smooth over the years from people leaning on it. I don't have any help, so I do everything myself, from carrying the bags to cleaning the floor. The afternoon heat can be quite bad here, and the tin roof makes the shop feel like an oven sometimes. I just keep a bottle of cold water and a hand fan nearby. I know almost every family that lives around here. I know who likes which brand of soap and who prefers a certain kind of dal. I don't bother with advertising or anything like that because everyone knows Hazra Stores is here. I open at eight in the morning and stay open until the last bus passes by at night. It is a long day, but I am used to the routine. My life revolves around these four walls and the people who walk through the door.