Savtamali Pan Shop

Down in Wagholi, in the narrow part called Pangul Galli, that’s where Savtamali Pan Shop is. The lane is so thin that two bikes can barely pass each other, which makes it a cozy spot for a shop. I open up pretty early, around the time the milkman goes by on his rounds. The shop is small, so I have to keep everything very organized on the shelves. My father started this place a long time ago, and I just kept it going because it seemed like the right thing to do. We don't have any flashy signs or bright lights to attract people. Most of our customers are people who live in the houses right behind us or workers taking a shortcut through the galli. I spend a lot of time preparing the ingredients, cutting the betel nuts and mixing the pastes in the morning. My hands are usually stained a bit red by the end of the shift. The neighborhood has changed quite a bit, with more people moving into the new apartments further out, but Pangul Galli stays mostly the same. It’s quiet in the afternoons when the sun is high and everyone is indoors. I usually take a small nap on the chair during that time. Then things pick up again when the sun goes down and people come out. They stand around and talk for a bit while I make their pans. It’s a simple life and I’ve gotten used to it.