Bharati Provision Store

Down here on the Main Road in Nonavinakere, things move at their own pace. The shop is at number 2, and it’s been part of the street for a long time. I get here early to sweep the front step before the dust from the road settles. We keep all the daily essentials, like bags of rice, lentils, and different types of cooking oils. The shelves go all the way to the ceiling, so I have to use a small wooden ladder to reach the top rows. It’s a simple setup with a heavy counter where the scale sits. People from around the village stop by not just for groceries but to catch up on what’s happening. The air in the store usually smells like a mix of dried chilies and laundry soap. We don't have any air conditioning, just the open door and the high ceiling to keep it from getting too hot. There are some old crates in the corner that we use for extra storage. Sometimes the supply truck is late, and we have to tell people to come back tomorrow for their favorite brand of coffee. It’s a bit cramped when the morning rush happens, but we manage. My apron gets dusty from handling the grain sacks, and the floor needs a good scrub every Saturday. It’s just a regular life running a store in Nonavinakere, and most days are just like the one before.