Pritam Kirana Store

The store is at No-130/2 right near Guru Gobind Chowk in Paonta Sahib. It is a busy spot because everyone passes the chowk to get anywhere. We open up pretty early when the streets are still quiet and the air is cool. The shelves are packed with all sorts of things from pulses to soaps and small household items. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze when more than three people come in at once. We have been here a long while so we know most of the people who walk through the door by their first name. We don't really have a big sign or anything flashy. Just the goods and a wooden counter where I sit most of the day. The tea guy from across the street brings a glass over every couple of hours. Sometimes we run out of things and have to wait for the next delivery truck to navigate the traffic near the chowk. The floor is old stone and stays cool in the summer. We have a small back room for the extra bags of flour and sugar. Most of the work is just lifting heavy sacks and making sure the jars are full. When the festivals come the area gets very crowded and the noise from the street is constant. We just keep our heads down and serve the people who need their daily supplies. It is a simple way to make a living.