Abhilasha Kirana

Nagpur gets really hot during the summer, and Khamla is no different. My shop, Abhilasha Kirana, sits right on the corner where people pass by all day. I usually start the morning by sweeping the front and arranging the packets of snacks near the door. It’s mostly groceries here, the usual stuff like lentils, spices, and cooking oil. I have a few stools for when my knees get tired, but mostly I am on my feet. The locals know me by name, and I know who likes which brand of tea. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we just sit in the shade until it comes back. The shelves are wooden and a bit old now, but they hold everything just fine. I don't have fancy lights or anything. Just a few tube lights and a small counter where I keep the weighing scale. It’s a busy life but it keeps me occupied. When school lets out, the kids come in for candies or cold drinks. I have to keep an eye on them so they don't crowd the entrance too much. My family helps out sometimes when I need to go for some personal work. It's just a small business and we manage day by day. Every evening I tally the sales and see what needs to be ordered for tomorrow. Sometimes the supply truck is late, so I have to make a few calls to the warehouse.