Rakesh Flower Stall

Rakesh Flower Stall is just a small setup in Dadar West. We don't have a permanent building with four walls. It’s more of a stall that we’ve had in the same spot for years. Dealing with the weather is the hardest part. When it rains, we have to pull the plastic sheets down fast. When it’s hot, the flowers start to droop by noon. Dadar is the heart of the flower trade, so there is competition everywhere. We just focus on what we have on our table. It’s a lot of standing around and waiting. We get to know the other stall owners well. We share tea and keep an eye on each other's stuff. I start my day at the wholesale market nearby at 3 am. It’s dark and crowded, but that’s where you get the fresh stuff. My hands are usually stained green by breakfast time. We don't have any fancy ribbons or expensive vases. We just wrap things in whatever paper we have. It’s basic, honest work. Some days are good, some are slow. We don't worry about it too much. As long as we can sell what we bought in the morning, it’s a good day. It’s just me and the flowers out here on the street. Sometimes people stop just to ask for directions to the station, and we don't mind helping. It’s a busy life but it’s what we know. The sun gets strong in the afternoon, so we move the buckets into the shade of the bridge. It's a long day, but when the evening comes and the inventory is gone, it feels alright.