Lubricant

Our business, Lubricant, is down in Shantipuri, Velliankadu. It’s not a fancy shop at all. We mostly sell different kinds of oils and grease for engines and big machinery. The whole place has that heavy smell of motor oil, which you never really get out of your clothes. We have drums of oil stacked up near the entrance and smaller bottles on the shelves. Most of our customers are truck drivers or mechanics from the local garages around Velliankadu. It’s a practical kind of place. We don't have air conditioning or nice chairs. There’s just a counter where we handle the cash and a small space in the back for storage. It gets quite dusty because of the road right outside. We open up early because that’s when the drivers are out and need things. Sometimes it’s slow, and we just sit and watch the traffic go by. Other times, it’s a mad rush with everyone wanting their oil at the same time. We’ve been at this spot for quite a while now. We know most of the people who stop by. It’s a simple way to earn a living. We don't do any big advertising. If someone needs oil for their tractor or car, they just know where to come. It’s greasy work, and our hands are usually stained, but we don't mind it. It’s just how the job is. The floor gets slick so we have to be careful walking.