Deepa Kirna Store

Located on Badanpura Road, right in the middle of Panjabi Colony, this is where I spend my days. The store is called Deepa Kirna, though most people just say they’re going to the corner shop. It’s a bit of a walk for some, but we’re right here for everyone in the colony. I keep the floor swept, but with people coming in and out all day, it’s never quite clean. We have stacks of crates for cold drinks near the entrance. The fridge hums quite loudly, especially when it’s quiet at night. I usually start my day by checking what we’re low on—maybe it’s soap today or maybe it’s matches. The shelves are made of wood and they’ve got some scratches from years of moving jars around. It’s mostly just the basics here. If you need exotic stuff, you won't find it. But if you need some turmeric or a bag of wheat, I’ve got plenty. The kids from the colony always linger around the chocolate display, and I have to tell them to move along if they aren't buying anything. It’s a friendly enough place. I know who likes which brand of tea and who always asks for a discount even though they know I can't give one. It’s just a normal shop on a normal road, serving the people who live nearby. We don’t have a sign that lights up, just the name painted above the door by an old sign painter who was passing through.