In a small lane in Serampore, West Bengal, a humble tea stall has defied convention and time. The century-old shop, founded by Naresh Chandra Shome, is run entirely on trust—with no paid staff, no surveillance, and no formal rota. 

Each morning, owner Ashok Chakrabarti unlocks the stall and then leaves. From that moment until evening, a rotating group of regulars and retirees volunteer to embroider the day’s routine: brewing tea, serving customers, collecting money, and cleaning up. Customers pour their own cups, leave payments in a wooden box, and even restock supplies—all without any oversight.

Remarkably, over its long history, not a single instance of missing payment has been recorded. The stall has become more than just a place to sip chai—it is a community hub, an adda where stories, debates, and memories intermingle. But the future is uncertain. As younger generations drift away, the owner worries whether this trust-based model will continue. Yet for now, this tea shop stands as a testament to a rare idea: that faith, not money, can sustain a business.