Masala Traders

Being right across from Raj Hospital on G.P.O. Main Road means there is never a quiet moment for us. The traffic outside Masala Traders is always moving, with rickshaws and cars honking all day long. We are tucked into Roshpa Tower, which is a landmark most locals know. When you walk inside, the first thing you notice is the smell of the different spices we keep in the back. It’s a strong scent that sticks to your clothes, but we’ve gotten used to it over the years. We handle a lot of different traders and shopkeepers who come in to restock their own shelves. It’s a lot of weighing out bags and marking down numbers in our old ledgers. We don't use many computers here because the old way works just fine for us. The stairs in the building are a bit narrow, so moving the heavy sacks can be a bit of a challenge some days. My uncle started this business a long time ago, and we’ve just kept it going the same way he did. We don't see any reason to change things if they aren't broken. It’s a lot of work, and our hands are usually stained from the turmeric or chili, but it’s a good living. We know most of the other shopkeepers on the road, so there’s always someone to grab a tea with while we wait for the next delivery truck to show up at the door later in the afternoon.