Jay Khodiyar Provision Store

Out here in Chhani, things move a bit slower than the main city, but our shop stays busy enough. Jay Khodiyar Provision Store is where we spend all our hours. It’s a small space, so we have to use every bit of the walls to hang things up. You’ll see packets of shampoo and snacks dangling from the ceiling hooks. We sell the basics like flour, sugar, and tea. The morning starts with the milk delivery, which is always a bit of a rush to get into the cooler before the sun gets too high. Chhani can get very hot, and the shop stays a bit cooler inside because of the thick walls. We have a small television in the corner that we keep on for the news or some music. Customers usually linger for a bit of a chat while we pack their items. We don't have a computerized system, just a notepad and a pen to keep track of things. Sometimes the inventory gets a little disorganized when a big shipment comes in and we have nowhere to put it. We just stack the boxes in the corner and deal with them when it’s quieter. It’s a very local life. We see the same faces every morning and every evening. It isn't a glamorous job, but it keeps the family going and serves the people in our part of Chhani.