Shinde Mala Sureshrao

Living and working here at 29 Manjalpur has its own rhythm. We are tucked away behind Kabir Mandir, so it stays a bit quieter than the main Pune Satara Road. You can still hear the trucks and buses if you listen closely, but the temple walls block some of the noise. I’ve been here at this address for years. The building is older, with some cracks in the plaster that we never got around to fixing properly. Inside, it’s mostly just shelves and a few tables. My name is Shinde Mala Sureshrao, and I grew up around this part of town. It’s changed a lot. There used to be more open space, but now everything is built up. Every day is pretty much the same. I get here early, sweep the front step, and wait for the day to start. The neighbors are good people. We look out for each other. Sometimes the water pressure is a bit low in the mornings, but that’s just how it is in this part of Manjalpur. We don't put on any acts here. It’s just a plain room where we handle our business. Most folks find us by looking for the mandir first. If you pass the big tree, you've gone too far. It's a simple life, honestly. No fancy decorations or big lights. Just the basics and a place to sit when the sun is too strong outside. It's how I prefer things to be.