Maitri General Store

Our store, Maitri General Store, is located at 36, Old Bus Stand Road. It’s right in the middle of Ayyannapeta. Because of the bus stand being close by, there is always a lot of dust and smoke from the vehicles. I have to wipe the counter at least ten times a day. It is a very busy street and the noise never really stops until late at night. The shop is small and the ceiling is quite low. I have a lot of items hanging from hooks to save some space on the floor. Most of the people who come in are regulars who live in the houses behind the main road. We know their names and what they usually buy. Sometimes they don't have enough money and I let them pay next week. It is just a local thing. Ayyannapeta has grown a lot and there are bigger shops now, but people still come to us for the small things. The fan in the corner rattles a lot, but it keeps the air moving. I don't use any computers here. Everything is done with a pen and a paper pad. It’s a bit old-fashioned, but it works for me. I’ve been behind this counter for twenty years and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. The old bus stand isn't as busy as it used to be since they moved some routes, but it's still plenty noisy for me. It keeps me awake.