Maheshwari Kirana

Maheshwari Kirana is located right on the Main Road in Tehsil Chourai, specifically Ward No. 9, House No. 9. We are very close to the bus stand, so we see a lot of travelers passing through along with our regular local customers. Being near the bus stand means it’s always lively around here. People hop off the bus and grab a few things before heading home. My family and I run the place. We sell everything from grains and pulses to soap and matches. It’s a typical kirana store. The shelves are packed high because we try to make use of every bit of space we have. I spend a lot of time sitting behind the counter or reaching for items on the top shelves with a long stick. We don’t have a computerized billing system; we just write things down or remember the prices. It’s how it’s always been done in Chourai. Sometimes the cows wander by the front door, and we have to shoo them away. In the mornings, I open up early to catch the first bus passengers. The evenings are busy too when folks are getting ingredients for dinner. We don’t have any big signs or advertisements. The shop is just part of the street. It’s a bit dusty because of the road, so I’m always wiping down the glass jars. We just keep things simple and serve whoever walks in to buy their daily needs.