Manoj Paan Bhandar

Manoj Paan Bhandar is a small shop located on Chirlokpur Road in Kala Amb. If you are driving through Sirmaur, you will likely see us right on the edge of the road. It’s a busy spot because of the factories and the trucks moving through all day and night. We open up early to catch the workers on their way to the morning shift. The shop is small, just enough space for the counter and the shelves for cigarettes and snacks. We spend our hours preparing the betel leaves, applying the lime paste, and mixing the different spices that people like. The smell of the sweet tobacco and the fresh leaves is always in the air. We have a small fridge for cold drinks that makes a constant buzzing sound. It gets very dusty from the road, so we are always wiping down the glass. Regulars stop by to chat about the local news or the cricket scores while they wait for their paan. We have a couple of plastic stools outside for anyone who wants to sit for a minute. It’s not a fancy place, just a roadside stall that serves the people passing by. At night, we have a single bright bulb that stays on until we close up late. It’s a simple life, watching the traffic go by and serving the same faces every day. We just keep things moving and try to stay busy.