Oasis

You can find us on C.C. Road, not far from the R.B.T. Vidyalaya in Deoria Kalan. It’s a lively spot because of the school kids walking past every morning and afternoon. We have a small shopfront that we try to keep tidy, though the dust from the road makes it a constant battle. Inside, it’s just one long room with some wooden benches and a counter at the far end. We’ve got a few potted plants by the door, but they don't always get enough sun. The roof is made of corrugated sheets, so when it rains, it gets really loud inside. You can't even hear yourself think until the storm passes. We don't have any fancy menus or glossy brochures. If you want to know what we have, you just have to ask or look at the chalkboard. It’s a family-run kind of place, so you might see my nephew helping out on the weekends. We have a small radio that usually plays the local news or some old songs. The floor is concrete and stays cool even when the sun is beating down outside. It’s just a place for people to stop by while they’re on their way somewhere else. We’ve been here for years and most people in Deoria Kalan know where to find us. It’s simple and we like it that way. We usually lock up once the school crowd has all gone home and the road gets quiet.