Naveen Soda Shop

Nangloi is a crowded part of the city, and Rajendra Park Extension is no different. My shop is at number 84, and it’s a tight squeeze between the other buildings. Naveen Soda Shop is just a small hole in the wall, really. I spend most of my day standing behind the counter, mixing drinks for people passing by. The traffic on the main road can be quite loud, so we usually have to shout a bit to hear each other. I’ve lived in this area for a long time, so I’ve seen how much it has changed. More houses, more people, and definitely more noise. The shop doesn't look like much from the outside. I painted the door blue a couple of years ago, but it’s peeling now. I’ll get around to fixing that eventually. We get a lot of workers coming by during their lunch breaks. They want something quick and cold. I don't have a big menu, just the basic stuff that people like. Sometimes the fridge acts up and I have to call the repair guy from down the street. He usually takes his time getting here. That’s just how things go. It’s a busy life here at number 84. I don't have much time for sitting around, but I like being my own boss. It’s a practical way to make a living in a place like Nangloi.