M. L. Barai

You can find us at B/75 in Bidhan Market. M. L. Barai is the name we use for the shop. It’s a small stall in a very crowded part of the market. We’ve been here for a long time, watching the market change around us every season. We sell various goods, mostly things people need for their homes or daily lives. It’s a tight space in here. We have wooden shelves that go all the way to the ceiling. You have to be careful walking in so you don't knock anything over. Bidhan Market is always loud and full of people, especially in the early mornings. We don't have air conditioning, just a small fan that wobbles a bit on the counter. We know most of the other shopkeepers around here. We drink tea together when things are slow. I took over the business from my father. He taught me how to keep the books and deal with the suppliers who come by. We don't have a website or do any of that internet stuff. People just know we are here at B/75. We open early and stay until the market starts to quiet down at night. It’s a lot of standing and talking to different customers. Some days are very busy and we barely have time to eat lunch. Other days we just sit and wait for someone to stop by. It’s a simple business for us.