Sairaj Salon

Being near Pune Station means there is never a quiet moment. Sairaj Salon is tucked away in this busy area, and we see all sorts of people. Some are just passing through the city and need to look decent for a meeting, while others are railway workers coming in after a long shift. The shop is small and the walls could probably use a fresh coat of paint, but it does the job. You can hear the train whistles and the announcements from the platform if the wind is blowing the right way. It’s dusty out there, so I’m always wiping down the glass counters. We have two chairs and a small stool in the corner. Sometimes it gets a bit cramped when four or five people are waiting, so they just stand outside on the pavement. I don't use any of those expensive products you see in malls. It’s just regular soap and standard aftershave. The lighting is a bit dim in the back, but the front gets enough sun during the day. We stay open late because the station stays busy and people arrive at all hours. It's just a place to get a quick trim without any fuss. No one comes here for a makeover; they just want their hair short and tidy. I’ve been in this spot for years, and the view of the station entrance hasn't changed much. It’s a simple life running a salon in such a hectic part of Pune city.