Mayor Pan Wala

I’ve been running this little spot in Santacruz West for a good number of years now. It’s just a simple corner where people stop when they need a quick break. Usually, I get here pretty early to sort out the fresh leaves and make sure everything is wiped down. The traffic on the road can get really loud, especially in the afternoons, but you kind of get used to it after a while. Most people who come by are just regulars from the nearby offices or guys driving through. We keep the usual stuff, different kinds of pan and some basic things people ask for. It isn't a big place, just enough room for me to stand and a shelf for the jars. Sometimes the rain gets in a bit if the wind is blowing the wrong way, so I have to pull the plastic sheet down. It’s a lot of sitting and waiting, then suddenly five people show up at once. I try to keep the change ready because everyone is always in a hurry here. My hands stay stained from the lime and catechu, but that’s just how it is when you do this work. It’s funny how you see the same faces every day at the same time. You learn what someone wants before they even say a word. It’s just a small business, nothing fancy, but it keeps me busy and pays the bills. Sometimes my son helps out when I need a break.