Narayana Stores

Working at Narayana Stores on the Thrichy Main Road in Melur means you get used to the sound of vehicles all day long. This part of Madurai is always moving. The shop is positioned right where people often stop before heading further out on the highway. I start the day by pulling up the heavy metal shutters and setting out the plastic buckets and brooms we sell. The shelves are packed with everything from soap bars to loose tea leaves. It’s a bit cramped inside because we try to keep a lot of variety, so you have to watch your step between the rice bags. I’ve spent years learning exactly where every small item is tucked away. Sometimes a traveler stops by asking for directions or a cold drink, and we help them out. The walls could probably use a fresh coat of paint, but we are too busy to get around to it. Usually, there’s a bit of a rush in the evenings when folks are returning home from work. I do the billing by hand on a small pad of paper, which some people think is old-fashioned, but it works for us. We don't have air conditioning, so the breeze from the front door is what keeps us going. It’s a simple life, just minding the store and talking to the regulars who have been coming here since they were children. Every night we lock up and head home, ready to do the same thing tomorrow.