Vanam Orchids

Running Vanam Orchids out of C-14 in the Neighbourhood Shopping Complex here in Sector-4 is a busy job. Nerul has its own rhythm, and we’re right in the middle of it. The shop is small but we pack it full of whatever is in bloom. Most days start early, before the sun gets too high, because the plants need water and a bit of attention before customers start wandering through the complex. It gets a little humid inside, which is good for the orchids but maybe not so great for us. We spend a lot of time pruning and checking the soil. Sometimes the delivery truck is late and that throws the whole morning off. People walking by the shopping center often peek in just to see the colors. We’ve got benches where we sit when things are quiet, usually just chatting about the weather or how the Sector-4 area is changing. It isn't a high-tech operation. It’s more about having dirt under your fingernails and knowing which plant needs a bit more shade today. The sign outside is a little faded from the sun, but everyone knows where we are. We keep a ledger on the counter to track things, and there’s always a stray spray bottle nearby. It’s just a local shop where we try to keep things green and growing despite the city concrete all around us. The neighborhood is usually loud, but the flowers don't seem to mind much.