Arusuvai Masala

North Street in Villapuram is where we have our small spice setup at number 14. You can smell the turmeric and chili from the end of the block most mornings. It isn't a large factory, just a couple of rooms where we do the grinding and packing. The machines make a lot of noise, so it’s hard to talk when they’re running full speed. Dust gets everywhere, even on the window sills and the light switches. We spend a lot of time just sweeping up so we don't slip. Our scales are old but we check them every day to make sure they're right. It gets hot inside when the afternoon sun hits the front door. We don't have any fancy office space, just a wooden desk in the corner with some ledgers. People from the neighborhood come in to buy what they need for their cooking. We keep the packets in simple crates on the floor. It’s a busy life, and our hands usually stay stained with spice colors until we go home. We’ve been here a while and the routine doesn't change much. The neighbors are used to the sound of the grinders by now. We just focus on getting the work done and closing up before it gets too dark on North Street. It's just a regular local business without any big secrets or complex plans.