Dinesh General Store

Dinesh General Store sits out in Behsuma, right near Ramleela Chowk in the Meerut Cantt area. Being near the chowk means we see all the big gatherings and processions that happen throughout the year. It’s a very central spot in the main market. I usually sit out front on a small stool when it’s not too busy, just watching the people go by. The shop is packed with bags of rice, sugar, and all the various spices people use in their cooking every day. I try to keep everything within arm's reach, but sometimes I have to climb a ladder to get the things from the top shelves. The ladder creaks a bit, but it’s never let me down. It’s a family-run place, so you might see my brother or my son helping out during the peak hours. We don't have any fancy displays or bright lights. Most of our light comes from the big doorway that stays open all day. Sometimes a stray dog will wander in looking for a scrap, and I have to shoo it out. It’s a very local way of living. I know which brand of cooking oil every family in this street prefers. If I see someone walking toward the shop, I usually have their regular items ready before they even ask. It’s just about being useful to the people who live around here. I keep the accounts in a simple ledger book that sits on the desk.