Food.Com

Out here at No 4, Marapalam, things move at their own pace. We are right near the Marapalam Signal in Pondicherry. Most people know the spot because the traffic gets backed up there during the evening. It’s Velrampet area, near Angamalchatram. The name Food.Com is on the front, though it’s just a physical shop, nothing too high-tech about it. We spend most of our time in the back or standing by the counter. The air is often salty because we aren't that far from the water. Being near the signal means we see a lot of commuters. Some of them look tired. We just have the usual setup with some tables and chairs. It’s 605004, if you are looking at the pin code. We deal with the heat like everyone else in Pondy. We start our day by checking the stock and seeing what needs fixing. The floor gets dusty fast with the road right there. Sometimes the power goes out and we just sit and wait it out. It’s a simple life. We don’t have a big team, just a few of us making sure things are ready. People come in, eat, and leave. We don’t talk too much unless someone asks a question. The neighborhood is okay, mostly regulars who live in the back streets of Marapalam. We just stay here and do the work. It takes time to get the kitchen cooled down in the evenings, but we manage. We aren't doing anything special, just keeping the doors open for the locals every single day.