💬 I walk past the big supermarket to reach the small grocery

There's a small grocery on the ground floor of the next building, run by a man from Kerala called Shaji. A big supermarket opened 5 minutes from our flat in March. It has trolleys, a bakery and cold air. I tried it for a whole month. Everything was cheaper by a few riyals and I found it all myself. Nobody said hello. Nobody asked about my daughters. I paid a machine and left with my bags. By the 3rd week I was walking past Shaji's door on my way to the car park, and I felt guilty. He didn't say anything. He just waved from behind the counter like I was on a passing bus. The 4th week I forgot my wallet at home and still went to the supermarket. They needed a card and I had none. I went to Shaji and said, I forgot my money. He said, take it, pay on Thursday. That did it. I went back. It's a smaller shop, so some days he doesn't have what I need. Last week there was no coriander and no curd, and I went to the supermarket for both, quietly. I looked over my shoulder the whole time like a man doing something he shouldn't be doing. Next day Shaji asked, no curd yesterday? I said, no. He said, it came this morning, I kept 2 packets for you. I now carry cash for Thursdays. I owe him 14 riyals from last week and he hasn't mentioned it once. The supermarket sent me a card in the post with a free bag attached. It's still in the cupboard. My daughters want the free bag for school. I told them we'll see, and changed the subject. Shaji's shop is closed on Friday mornings, and that's the one morning I feel a little lost.

Nobody said hello and nobody asked about your daughters, that line explains the whole thing. My own Shaji is a tiny provision shop owner near Tarnaka who saves me the dosa batter he knows I like, and I have never asked him to. A machine does not remember what you buy. Did you feel the guilt only at his door, or at the checkout too?

There is a small shop near my old house I still walk fifteen minutes to reach, even though I moved away two years ago and there are three closer options now. The owner remembers my father, who used to shop there before I was born, and that history is worth more to me than convenience. My wife thinks I am ridiculous about it, and she is probably right.