Om Shiv General Store

Om Shiv General Store is situated right near the Jaipur Railway Station in Badodiya Basti. It is a very busy spot because of all the travelers and the people living in the basti. We are in Shop No.3, right near the dharmsala, which means there is always someone walking by. The Jaipur heat can be quite something in the middle of the day, so we keep the fridge stocked with cold drinks as much as possible. I usually start the day by cleaning the glass jars where we keep the loose candies and biscuits. We sell things like toothbrushes, small soap bars, and phone recharge cards which the travelers often look for. It’s a bit noisy here with the trains whistling and the rickshaws honking all day long, but you get used to it after a while. I have a small stool behind the counter where I sit when there are no customers. Most of the people who come here are just looking for something quick before they catch their bus or train. The shop isn't very big, but we manage to fit a lot of stuff inside. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we have to use a handheld fan while waiting for the lights to come back. It's just a regular life here in Jaipur, selling small things to people on the move and the neighbors we see every day.