Maitri Super Stores

Maitri Super Stores is right in the middle of the action at the Main Chowk, near Chamunda Complex. Being at a crossroads means there is never a dull moment. We see everyone from the morning walkers to the late-night crowd. I called it a super store, but really it’s just a larger version of a local grocer. We have rows of snacks, household cleaners, and jars full of different candies. I try to keep the place organized, but with so many people coming in and out, things get moved around a lot. My brother and I take turns at the counter. We have a small radio that stays on in the background, mostly playing old songs or the news. The Main Chowk is always noisy with scooters and people talking, so we usually have to speak up to be heard. During festivals, this whole area gets packed, and we stay open extra hours to help out. We don’t do any fancy marketing; people just know we are here. The floor is grey tiles that have seen a lot of shoes over the years. We keep a big water jar for ourselves and sometimes offer a glass to the regulars when it's hot. It’s a lot of work keeping the inventory updated, especially with the prices changing so often lately. We just do our best to keep what people want in stock. It's a living, and we enjoy being in the center of things.