A To Z General Store

The shop has been here in Kumarkhali for a while now. Most days start around seven when I pull the shutters up. It is a bit dusty because of the road work nearby, but that’s just how things are in Kolkata lately. We keep a bit of everything on the shelves. You might find some biscuits, some soap, or maybe some notebook for the kids going to school. I try to keep things organized but sometimes the boxes just pile up in the corner when the delivery truck comes by. The fan makes a bit of noise in the afternoon heat but it helps. People from around the neighborhood stop in for small things they forgot to buy at the big market. Sometimes we talk about the weather or the price of onions. It is not a very big place, just enough room for a couple of people to stand inside at once. I spend a lot of time checking the stock and writing things down in my old register. It gets busy in the evenings when everyone is coming back from work. I usually close up once the streetlights have been on for a few hours. There is always something to do, like cleaning the glass jars or counting the change. I live not too far from here, so it is an easy walk. It is just a regular life running a store here in the 700002 area. I don't mind the long hours as long as I can sit down for my tea.