Chaurasia Pan Shop

Chaurasia Pan Shop sits right on the Champagalli Main Road in Sabarmati 11. It is a very busy spot and the noise from the trucks and cars never really stops. I have been sitting behind this small wooden counter for more years than I can count. We sell the usual things you would expect, like different types of pan, cigarettes, and a few cold sodas. The refrigerator makes a loud humming sound all day long, but I don't even notice it anymore. The space is tiny, barely enough for me to turn around, but it is enough for what I do. I have my regulars who come by after lunch. We talk about the local news or whatever is happening in Sabarmati. I keep the betel leaves in a special basket covered with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out in the heat. Learning to fold a pan properly takes a lot of time so that the ingredients don't spill out when someone takes a bite. We don't have any big advertisements or glowing neon signs. The name is just painted on the wall outside. The dust from the main road is a constant problem, so I have to wipe down the glass jars quite often. It is a simple, straightforward business. We see the whole neighborhood pass by this little corner every single day from morning until late at night.