Prathan General Stores

Located in New Mallepally, right in the heart of Hyderabad near the old Priya Theatre, our shop is a familiar sight for the locals. The building is older, with thick walls that help a little with the heat. We sell all sorts of daily items, from loose tea leaves to plastic brooms hanging near the entrance. The floor is often covered with a bit of sawdust to keep it clean, and there is always a faint smell of roasted coffee or spices in the air. When a movie finishes at the theatre, we usually get a small rush of people wanting water or snacks. Most of the day is spent sitting behind the counter, watching the bikes go by on the Mallepally road. We use an old calculator with big buttons to add everything up. The shelves go all the way to the top, so we keep a rickety wooden ladder nearby. It's not a place with bright lights or music; it's just a functional store where you get what you need. Sometimes we have to chase away the stray cats that try to lounge on the sacks of rice. We know the names of the kids who come in for a single piece of gum after school. It’s just the way things are around here. We close up when the street gets dark and the theater lights start to dim. It's a simple business for a busy part of Hyderabad.