Ananta Mondal

Being in Kolkata, specifically near the Santoshpur Mini-Bus Stand, means there is never a moment of true silence. My place is 190/2 Santoshpur East Road, Flat No. B-IV on the second floor. It’s right near Sibtala Math, so if you’re from around here, you know exactly where that is. Ananta Mondal is the name on the door. The stairs up to the second floor are a bit narrow, so I tell people to watch their heads if they’re tall. The flat isn't massive, but it’s got a good breeze that comes off the road. I can hear the conductors shouting for the mini-bus all day long. It’s a bit of a chaotic background, but it keeps me energized. My workspace is just a small room filled with a lot of stuff. I’ve got my computer on a small table and a rack for all the paperwork. It’s not a showroom. It’s a place where work actually happens. There’s always a cup of tea somewhere that’s gone cold because I got distracted. The neighborhood is very close-knit, so I see the same faces every day at the tea stall or the grocery shop. I like the bustle of Santoshpur. It feels like you’re in the middle of everything without being in the dead center of the city. It’s just a regular flat where a regular person gets things done, day in and day out. Sometimes I stay up late just to enjoy the rare quiet.