Santacruz Pan Shop

The corner of Santacruz West near Chakala is always moving. Our pan shop is right in the thick of it. I spend most of my day watching the rickshaws go by while I prepare the leaves. The glass jars on the shelf are filled with all sorts of things like fennel seeds, cardamom, and different types of tobacco. I keep them lined up so I can grab what I need quickly. Santacruz Pan Shop isn't a place with a lot of room to sit. It’s more of a quick stop for the people living in Chakala or those just passing through to the station. The weather really affects the leaves. When it’s too humid they get soft, and when it’s dry they can crack. I have to keep them wrapped in a wet cloth to keep them just right. People often stop by just to ask for directions or to check the time. I don't mind. It’s part of being a local fixture on the street. Sometimes the light outside the shop flickers a bit in the evening, but I haven't gotten around to calling the electrician yet. It still works well enough for me to see what I am doing. I’ve seen kids grow up and start coming here as adults. It makes me realize how long I’ve been standing behind this counter. It is just a simple Santacruz life for me and my regulars.