Dhruv Kirana Store

Being over here in Beta-1 near Rah Hotel means we see a lot of different people coming through. Our shop is in D Block, and it’s a pretty straightforward kirana store. We spend most of our time making sure the bins of rice and dal are filled up. It gets a bit dusty because of the traffic on the road towards Rampur Jagir, so I’m always wiping down the glass jars. I started this place because it seemed like the right spot for a neighborhood shop. My younger brother comes in the evenings to help me handle the rush when everyone is coming back from work. We have most of the basic groceries you’d expect, like spices, salt, and different types of oil. Sometimes a customer asks for something we don't have, and I have to write it down to get it from the wholesaler next time I go. The fridge for cold drinks hums all day long, which is a sound I’ve gotten used to over the years. We don't have any fancy displays or bright lights. It’s just wooden shelves and some crates stacked in the corner. People around here in Greater Noida are mostly in a hurry, but a few old timers still stop to talk about the weather or the local news. It’s a lot of standing around and lifting heavy bags, but it’s our way of earning a living.