Shri Balaji Pan Stall

Shri Balaji Pan Stall is located right at the Main ITI Chowk in Vivek Vihar Phase 1. If you know that intersection, you know it’s always full of cars and buses. I’ve got this small stall where I keep all my jars of sweets, cigarettes, and of course, the betel leaves. It’s a very noisy place to work because of all the honking, but you stop noticing it after a few hours. I spend most of my time preparing the leaves, putting just the right amount of lime and kattha on them. People usually pull up their scooters or cars for a quick second, grab what they need, and head off. I don't have a place for people to sit, so everyone is always on the move. I have to be careful with the glass jars because the ground isn't perfectly even. Sometimes the dust from the road gets everywhere, so I’m always using a duster to keep the counter looking okay. It’s a long day, standing from early morning until late at night when the traffic finally thins out. I get to talk to all kinds of people, from truck drivers to folks living in the nice houses nearby. It’s a simple way to earn a living, just selling small things that people want while they are on the road. I don’t have any big plans, just keeping the stall open and the supplies stocked up for tomorrow.