Balaji Hatti

You can find Balaji Hatti at 475/6 in Partap Mohalla. It’s a bit of a squeeze getting down some of these streets, especially if there’s a cart or a bike parked in the wrong way. We’ve been in this neighborhood for a long time, and the shop is just part of the local scenery now. It’s a small place, what we call a Hatti, so it’s crowded with stock from the floor up to the ceiling. We don't have much room for people to walk around inside, so most of the business happens right at the front counter. It’s a friendly place, though. We know most of the people who live in Partap Mohalla, and they stop by not just to buy things but to say hello or talk about what’s happening in the street lately. The light inside is a bit yellow and old-fashioned, and we haven't changed the shelves in years. They are solid wood and hold up everything just fine despite the weight. Most days are spent weighing things out or bagging them up for the regulars who come by every week. It’s not a fast-paced life, but it’s steady. We open up early and don't close until the street starts to get quiet at night. It’s just a simple neighborhood shop where we do our best to keep things moving and make sure everyone gets what they came for before we head home for dinner. We enjoy the small talk and the daily connections we make here.