Hymavathi Kirana & General Stores

You can find us right on Kanthiroad in Gajuwaka, specifically at D.No10-8-32. We are situated directly opposite the Narayanasetty Function Hall. That means we get a lot of people coming in when there are weddings or big parties happening across the street. They usually need things like safety pins, matches, or last-minute snacks. Hymavathi Kirana & General Stores is where I spend most of my waking hours. The shop is filled with the scent of spices and coffee. I have big plastic drums for the grains and rows of jars for the candies. It is a bit of a climb to get to the top shelves, so I keep a small wooden step-stool handy. I’ve been in Visakhapatnam most of my life, so I’m used to the weather here. The shop stays relatively cool because of the high ceiling, even if it gets a bit stuffy in the back room where I keep the extra sacks of rice. I don’t have a big team, just me and occasionally a helper when the deliveries are heavy. I like the sound of the rain on the roof during the monsoon season; it makes the shop feel very cozy. I keep a calendar on the wall and mark off the days as they go. It’s a simple routine—opening up, stocking the shelves, talking to the neighbors, and closing up when it gets dark. It’s honest work and it keeps me busy and connected to the people around here.