Raj Mans Parlour

Mahesh Nagar is a crowded place and Raj Mans Parlour is tucked right in Agrrsain Nagar at Shop Number One. It is a small spot, just enough for a couple of people to get their hair done at once. The walls are a plain color and we have some shelves for the sprays and creams we use. Outside, the street is usually full of bikes and people walking to the local shops. You can hear the vegetable sellers shouting their prices sometimes. Inside, it’s a bit quieter. We have a routine of getting here, checking the water, and making sure the scissors are sharp. The mirrors are old and have a few spots on the edges where the silver is coming off. It doesn't really matter as long as people can see their reflection. Most of our customers are from the houses right around here. They don't want anything too complicated. Just a regular trim or a shave. We talk about the cricket or the weather while we work. The light from the front door is usually better than the bulbs inside. By the end of the day, my back usually aches a bit but that’s just how it goes in this line of work. We sweep up one last time, lock the door, and head back home. It is a basic shop for basic needs in this part of Jaipur. We have been in this spot for years.