Short Story: Supermarket by Aditi Chandrasekar

Aditi Chandrasekar shares a tender moment intertwined with a core memory from childhood told through beautiful characters and a heartwarming narrative.

When I announce that I am heading to the supermarket, my dad immediately opens up a drawer in his cupboard and leafs through a thick wad of square papers. He draws one out and hands it to me – “Rs. 100 OFF” it reads, and in much smaller letters, “On a purchase of Rs. 1000 or more” 

I hurriedly stuff the coupon in my handbag, and enter the name of the store on a ride-hailing app on my phone – Reliance Fresh. The one in Yelahanka New Town has not only stood the test of time but flourished and expanded into a hypermarket. When I arrive, I walk through the entire place in a matter of minutes, scanning all the aisles, shelves, and rows, mentally noting down any incredulous offers and slashed prices I see. After this jaunt, I come back to the front of the store. The cashiers glance at me as I slowly wheel a cart out of the long line and turn it almost determinedly toward the aisles.