Paliwal General Store

My name is Paliwal and I run this general store in Raika Bag. It's located in Phalodi, Jodhpur, and mostly we just sell the usual things people need for their homes. I started this place because I wanted to work for myself and stay close to my family. The shop is small, but it holds a lot of different items. You can find soap, oil, and biscuits here. Some days are very quiet, and I just sit on the bench outside watching the street. Other days, like during festivals, everyone is rushing in at the same time. People in Raika Bag are friendly neighbors. They come in not just for shopping but to talk about the weather or what is happening in the town. Dealing with suppliers can be a headache sometimes because the trucks arrive late, but that’s just how it is. I keep a ledger for the regulars who pay at the end of the month. It's an old way of doing things, but it works for us here. The building itself is old, with thick walls that keep it a bit cooler when the sun is really hot outside. I haven't changed much in the shop over the years. The shelves are the same ones my father used. It feels good to be part of the community in Phalodi. We are just a small part of Jodhpur, but we do our bit every day at Paliwal General Store. It isn't much, but it's our life.