Abhay Pan Shop

If you are passing through Lohegaon, you might notice Abhay Pan Shop. It’s not a huge place, just a small spot by the side of the road. I’ve been running this shop for a long time. It’s a simple life. I spend my day preparing the leaves, arranging the betel nuts, and keeping the jars filled. Lohegaon has grown a lot lately, but the shop feels the same as it always did. People stop their bikes or cars for a few minutes just to get a pan and have a quick smoke or a chat. It’s a social place in its own way. I know most of the people who live around here by name. We talk about the local happenings or how the traffic is getting worse near the airport. The shop is small, so everything is within arm's reach. I don't need fancy equipment, just my hands and the ingredients I've been using for years. Sometimes it gets dusty with the construction nearby, but I just keep cleaning the counter. It’s not a job that will make me a millionaire, but it pays the bills and keeps me busy. I like being my own boss. There’s no corporate pressure here, just the rhythm of the day and the people who come and go. It’s a practical business for a practical person. I’ll probably be here at the same spot tomorrow, doing the same thing.