Sri Laxmi Narasimha Kirana &General

Our shop, Sri Laxmi Narasimha Kirana & General, is located at D.No-27-6-164 in Sundarayya Colony, Gajuwaka. It’s a long name for a place that is actually quite small and crowded with goods. We have been in this part of Visakhapatnam for a while now. The street outside can be quite narrow, especially when someone parks a scooter right in front of the door. Inside, it smells like a mix of spices and laundry detergent. We have big plastic jars filled with different types of candy and chocolates on the front counter for the kids. Behind that, you’ll find the staples like rice, atta, and different types of lentils. We spend a lot of time shifting sacks around to make space. It’s hard work on the back sometimes. When the monsoon rains come, we have to be careful about the dampness getting into the store. We just use old newspapers to cover things up if needed. People come in mostly for the small things they forgot to buy at the big market. A packet of salt, a bottle of chilly sauce, or some loose eggs. We don't have a computer for billing; we just do the math in our heads or on a small calculator. It’s a simple way to run a business but it works for the folks in Sundarayya Colony. We stay open until the street lights have been on for a few hours. Usually, we are just happy to close up and go home.