New Bismi Hardwares

This shop is tucked away on Rahmaniya Street in Athikkadai. It’s not a very big space, so we have boxes of nails and plumbing joints stacked up almost to the ceiling. If you walk in, you might have to squeeze past a roll of plastic mesh or some PVC pipes leaning against the counter. I’ve lived here my whole life and opening this hardware store seemed like the right thing to do for the neighborhood. People stop by for all sorts of small things, maybe a leaking tap or just some paint for a door. It’s usually me or my brother behind the desk. We know most of the faces that come through the door. Sometimes we don’t have exactly what someone wants in stock, so we have to order it from the bigger city and they have to wait a day or two. The street gets busy in the evenings, and we usually stay open until the last prayer is over. It isn’t some fancy showroom with bright lights. It’s just a regular store where the floor gets a bit dusty from the cement bags. We keep a ledger for the regulars and try to help folks fix whatever broke at home. It’s a simple living, selling tools and wire to the people we’ve known for years here in Athikkadai. New Bismi Hardwares is just our way of helping the local builders and house owners.