Slice of Life: ‘I have many regular customers as I sell only fresh stock’

Chennai

I am from Villupuram and have been running a peanut stall in Perungalathur for the past 35 years. I set up my stall by the roadside and would stay there until I finish the stock. Every once in a while, I would go to Villupuram to spend time with my family, which includes three children all of whom are married. I buy peanuts from Salem or Theni, and is particular to choose only fresh stock. Every morning, I would cover streets of Perungalathur on my cycle and in the afternoon, I would set up my stall near the railway station. As I sell only fresh stock and have been selling peanuts for more than three decades, I have many regular customers who prefer to buy peanuts only from me. I don’t spend my daily earnings unnecessarily. Instead, I save it every day. I am able to support my wife – and also the children when in need – with the money I earn. I work hard only for them. As renting a house here is very expensive, I decided to live by the roadside during night. The place is very secure and I have no fear. The people here are loving and caring. At times, the regular customers enquire about my health. I would continue to work as much as I can till the end, and would do my best for my family.