Kailash Chand Warquewala

Down in Khari Baoli, at number 629, you will find me, Kailash Chand Warquewala. If you know anything about Khari Baoli, you know it is one of the most crowded and hectic places you can imagine. There are smells of spices everywhere and people pushing carts through the narrow lanes. My shop is tucked away in all that chaos. We have been part of this market for years. The name Warquewala tells you a bit about what we’ve traditionally done, but mostly I just think of it as the family trade. It’s hard work and the days are long. I usually get here early before the sun is too high to get a head start on the orders. It’s not a glamorous life, and the shop isn't something out of a magazine. It’s dusty, it’s loud, and there’s always something that needs fixing. But it’s home to me. I know all the other shopkeepers around 629, and we look out for each other. People come from all over to shop in Khari Baoli, so we see all sorts of faces. I don't use a computer much for the business; I prefer my ledgers and a good pen. It feels more real that way. If you can navigate the crowds and find your way to our door, you’ll find us working just like we do every single day.