Ravi Karyana

Our little shop is located at 1015/8 in Abdullapur Basti. It’s not a big place, just a simple room filled with the things people need daily. You can find tea leaves, sugar, and various snacks on the shelves. I spend my days sitting on a wooden chair near the entrance. The street outside is narrow, so you mostly see bicycles and people walking by. It’s a very local vibe here. I know most of the neighbors and their families. Sometimes someone will come in just to talk for ten minutes while I weigh out some flour. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint, but they have a lot of character. We use old glass jars to hold the candies and smaller items. It’s a practical setup. There isn’t any music or fancy lighting. We just have a single bulb that hangs from the ceiling. When it rains, the sound on the roof is really loud. I’ve lived in this part of Abdullapur Basti for a long time, so this shop feels like a second home to me. We don't try to be anything we aren't. We just provide the basics and keep things honest. If someone is short a few rupees, I usually just tell them to pay me next time. That’s how things work in a place like this. It’s about being part of the street. Every morning I sweep the front step and get ready for the day.