Mahesh Stores

Mahesh Stores is right by the Nayapura Bus Stand on Khai Road. It’s a very loud spot because of all the buses coming and going all day long. You can hear the conductors shouting the names of towns from five in the morning. We sell all sorts of things that people might need before they get on a bus. There are biscuits, small packets of chips, and bottles of water piled up near the entrance. The shelves are quite crowded because we try to fit as much as we can in this small space. Sometimes it’s hard to find where I put the soap or the specific brand of toothpaste someone wants. It’s mostly just me and a boy who helps out with lifting the heavy boxes. We don't have a big sign, just the name painted above the door. The floor is concrete and it’s seen a lot of feet over the years. During the monsoon, the rain splashes in a bit from the front, so we have to move the bags of flour further back. It gets very hot in May and June, but that’s when we sell the most cold drinks. People standing at the bus stand are always thirsty. We’ve been here in this same spot for a long time. Our neighbors are mostly other small shops and some tea stalls. We know most of the regular drivers who pass through here every day and stop for a quick smoke or a bottle of water.