Ruchi Raj General Store

Kolkata can get quite humid, and inside Ruchi Raj General Store, we feel it. Being near the Kamalgazi Bypass means we get a mix of locals and people just passing through. The shop is filled with the smell of different spices and sometimes a bit of dampness when it rains heavily outside. I started this place because I wanted something of my own. It’s not a large space, so every inch of the walls is covered with racks. We have everything from detergents to local snacks that the kids love. I usually have the radio playing softly in the background to keep me company. Most days start at seven when the milk crates arrive. It’s a bit of a rush then, but it settles down by mid-morning. I’ve seen the bypass change over the years, with more buildings coming up, but the shop stays pretty much the same. I don't bother with fancy displays or bright lights. If someone needs a kilo of rice or some matches, they know where to find me. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we use candles for a bit, which makes the whole place look different. I enjoy chatting with the regulars about the local news or the price of vegetables. It’s a simple business, really. You buy things, you sell them, and you try to be fair with everyone who walks through that door. That’s what keeps us going here.