Pethanatchi Store

My store, Pethanatchi Store, is located on Nehruji Main Road in the Vadipatti area of Madurai. It’s a very busy road and there is always a lot of dust and noise from the passing buses and trucks. I opened this shop at number 33 Puthu Vilangudi because I saw that there weren't many places nearby to get basic groceries. I carry the usual things people need like rice, tamarind, dried chillies, and bath soaps. The heat in Madurai can be very intense, so the stone floor of the shop stays somewhat cool during the middle of the day. I spend a lot of my time sitting on a small wooden bench near the billing counter. Most of my customers are farmers or people working in the nearby towns. They come in with long lists written on scraps of paper and I take my time filling their bags. I don't like to rush through things because mistakes happen that way. Sometimes the electricity goes out in the afternoon and we have to use candles or a small torch to find things kept in the back of the room. It makes the whole shop feel very old-fashioned. I have a small calendar hanging on the wall where I mark off the days. My wife sometimes brings me lunch from our house and stays for a bit to help out. We don't have a computer. Everything is done by hand in a notebook. It’s just a simple life here.