Sainik Daily Need

Living and working in Kanpur means dealing with a lot of dust and noise, and Sainik Daily Need in Maruti Enclave is right in the thick of it. The name of the shop is simple because that’s what we do—provide the things you need every day. I open up early because people need their bread and eggs before they head off to work or school. It’s a small shop, but we pack a lot into it. You can find everything from pens and notebooks to cooking oil and soaps. I’ve gotten used to the sound of the traffic nearby. Sometimes I sit on a stool by the entrance and just watch the people go by. It’s interesting to see how the neighborhood changes. We have a lot of regular customers who don’t even have to tell me what they want; I already have it ready when I see them coming. I don't have a computer for billing, just a simple calculator and a notepad. It’s faster that way for me. The walls are painted a dull cream color, and the shelves are made of simple metal. We don’t need anything fancy to sell salt and sugar. My goal is just to stay open and keep the shelves filled so the neighbors don't have to go all the way to the big market. It’s steady work, and it keeps me busy from morning till night.