Prakash S Patel

We are based over in Byculla, specifically at 525 A in the Sussex Industr building. It’s an old place with a lot of character, maybe too much character if you ask the people who have to maintain the plumbing. I’ve been working out of this space for a long time now. The commute isn't too bad, though traffic near the industrial area can be a real headache during the morning rush. Inside the office, things are pretty basic. We have a few desks, some chairs that have seen better days, and a lot of ledgers. I prefer doing things the old way sometimes, even if the world is moving fast. My name is on the door, but it’s really just a small operation here. We handle whatever comes our way day to day. Sometimes the rain leaks in a little near the window, so we keep a bucket handy during the monsoon. It’s just how it is in these older buildings. Most of our neighbors are also small businesses, so we all know each other. We might borrow a stapler or share some news about what’s happening in the district. It’s a community of sorts. I spend most of my time answering the phone or looking over various papers that need signing. It’s not a glamorous life, but it’s mine. I usually leave around six unless there is something urgent. The chai wallah downstairs knows exactly how I like my tea, which is one of the perks.