The shelf

Seeds

Chia, alsi, sabja, magaj, kaddu, sunflower, kalonji, safed til and the five-seed mix — eleven kinds, most of them under a hundred and forty rupees. These are the cheapest things in the shop and among the most used: a spoon in the morning, a handful in a chaat, a garnish on mithai. Bought fresh and kept in small quantities, because a seed that has been open a season tastes of nothing.