Tiwari Paan Bhandar

My shop, Tiwari Paan Bhandar, is located at Appollo Bunder on D K Sandu Marg. It is a small wooden cabin that has been sitting on this corner for a long time. I start my day early, around eight, to wash the betel leaves and prepare the different mixtures. This area is quite famous because of the nearby monuments, but my shop is just for the local workers and people passing through D K Sandu Marg. I have jars of different ingredients like fennel seeds, coconut flakes, and various syrups lined up on the shelves. It is a bit of a tight squeeze inside, especially when I have all my supplies delivered. The roof is made of corrugated metal, so when it rains, it gets very noisy inside. I have a small stool where I sit when there aren't many customers. Most people come for a quick meetha paan after their lunch. I know most of the taxi drivers around here, and they always stop for a chat while I make their order. The wooden counter is worn smooth from years of use. I don't have a fancy menu; people just tell me what they like and I mix it up for them. It is a simple way to make a living. I see the city change around me, but my little corner stays pretty much the same. I just focus on keeping the leaves fresh and the customers happy enough.