Sai Laxmi General Stores

The air from the coast sometimes reaches us here at Sai Laxmi General Stores on Kanthi Road in Visakhapatnam. It’s a decent spot for a shop, and we’ve made the most of it over the years. I usually start the day by sweeping the front step and checking the fridge. We keep some cold drinks and dairy products because it gets hot in the afternoons. The shelves are packed with jars of pickles, lentils, and different types of flour. I don’t like it when things are out of order, so I spend a lot of time straightening the packets. People around here are mostly working class, so they want things that last and aren't too expensive. I try to keep the basics in stock all the time. Sometimes a customer will ask for something I don't have, and I’ll make a note to find it in the city market the next day. It’s a one-man show for the most part, though my son helps out during the holidays. The counter is old wood, worn down from years of sliding coins and bags across it. I don’t think I’d know what to do with myself if I wasn't here. The rhythm of the street and the sound of the passing buses are just part of my daily background. We just keep our heads down and do our work, making sure the local families have what they need for their dinner.