Mehta General Store

Kishore Ganj Chowk is always a bit of a mess with all the rickshaws and cars trying to get through Ranchi. Our store sits right near the junction, so we see a lot of people passing through every day. The walls inside are painted an old shade of blue that has started to peel in the corners. We have shelves reaching all the way to the ceiling, filled with everything from toothbrushes to heavy bags of cattle feed. I usually have to use a long stick with a hook on the end to reach the items on the top. The floor is made of old stone that stays cool even when it’s humid outside. We get a lot of regulars who stop by on their way home from work to pick up eggs or bread. I keep the change in a heavy wooden drawer that sticks sometimes when you pull it too hard. During the monsoon, the rain splashes against the front step, and we have to move the cardboard boxes further inside so they don't get soggy. It is a lot of work keeping everything clean and making sure nothing expires on the shelves. I don't mind the long hours because there is always someone to talk to. Whether it's the milkman or a neighbor, there is always some story being shared over the counter while we wrap up their groceries in old newspapers.