Alif Pan Shop

Alif Pan Shop is situated at Bhawani Peth Spine Road 734 /1. That address sounds a bit complicated to some, but it’s basically just a spot on the main road where the trucks and bikes are always zooming by. The Spine Road is a busy place, and I get a lot of drivers stopping here because they need a break from being on the road for hours. The shop is small and made of brick, and I’ve got a small fan that doesn't do much against the heat but it’s better than nothing. I keep all my supplies in plastic containers stacked up against the wall. There’s a lot of work that goes into preparing the pans that people don't see. I have to clean the leaves, peel the nuts, and make the pastes from scratch every few days. It keeps me busy even when there aren't any customers standing at the window. I’ve been at this spot for several years now. The building is old and sometimes the electricity goes out for a bit, so I keep some candles and a flashlight under the counter just in case. When the sun sets, the street lights come on and the road looks different, more quiet but still moving. I see a lot of different people, from truck drivers covered in dust to families out for an evening walk. I just make what they ask for and wish them a good day. It’s what I do.