Kartik Kirana Store

Our store is right there in Mahaveer Nagar, house number 24, close to the Kota Junction area. It’s a handy spot for people living nearby or those heading towards the railway station. We’ve been running this kirana shop for a good while now, and the routine is always the same. We open up early to receive the milk crates and bread deliveries. The shop is filled with the smell of loose spices and roasted grains because we keep most things in large open bags or big tin containers. It’s a busy neighborhood, so there is always someone coming in for a matchbox, a bar of soap, or some loose oil. The ceiling fan is a bit noisy and wobbles when it’s on full speed, but it helps during the hot months. We have a small diary where we keep track of what needs to be ordered for the next week. Sometimes the local kids come in after school for some candy or small snacks, and the place gets a bit loud. We try to keep everything organized, but with so many small items, the shelves always look a bit cluttered. It’s just how a local shop should be, I think. We live just behind the shop, so it’s easy to duck back home for lunch. The floor is just plain concrete and we sweep it twice a day to keep things tidy. We don't have a computer, just a pad and a pen.