LIFE IN THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES SOME 20 YEARS AGO AND PRIOR. DON'T KNOW WHAT IS THE GROUND POSITION NOW...

Armed forces officers were the most amazingly easy people to get along with. Should one fell in love with one and decided to marry him, here was what one could expect.

1. There would be indirect hints about getting up at 0500 hrs (it's never 5 am) and doing 5 km with 100 push ups.

2. Going to a party was a parade. 2000 hrs means 1955 hrs. Right time, right kit (dress) and right place.

3. Your husband may be a young captain but when you enter a room, all officers would get up to wish you...and that includes Generals too. That was the level of respect you could expect...every time.

4. If he was out for work and you were alone, expect EXTRA attention from the Unit ladies. You didn't marry just him...you married the army.

5. He would be extremely loving and understanding, but you have to understand that to him "Roger" is as romantic as "Yes, honey".

6. Expect Young Officers to land up at your house at odd hours demanding food. It won't happen frequently, but by God it will happen. Scrambled eggs were acceptable food. The youngsters would offer to help. Decline gracefully. These guys are like good natured rhinos in a bone china shop. evening party wears online

7. If you were sitting alone in a party (your husband is cracking jokes with his friends which NO ONE outside the fauji circle understands), expect a young officer to ask you for a dance. It's tradition and speaks of good breeding.

8. When he met your school and college friends, he would be very polite with the ladies. He will open doors and pull chairs. Chivalry is in his DNA. He was NOT flirting. That's just the way he has been trained.

9. He would not be walking on your left hand side. He is 9 o'clock to you. The building is not in front...its 12 o'clock.

10. He would eat rice with a fork, unless it's a sit down dinner. If it's rotis he would be eating, he would use the fork to push the dal or veggie to the roti. That's just how all officers eat.

11. He would eat at a dhaba if you so desire, but will maintain fauji table manners. He would "open" and "close" his plate. If he used a toothpick, he will cover his mouth with the other hand.

12. He would drink but never get drunk. His manners would always be impeccable.

13. Guderian, Rommel and Clausewitz are not his coursemates.

14. If he was with his coursemates, don't expect him to behave his age. They are the only competition you have in terms of attention.

15. He did not want to know what happened at the Ladies Club.

16. He would respect you for being strong. And he would be happy for you to take centerstage, with him cheering you from the sidelines....goofy grin and all.

17. Though it depends on the ethnicity of the troops that he commands, don't be surprised if you are called "Sir" sometimes. No disrespect is meant.

18. He was probably the most secure man you have ever seen. He will have very little self doubt. All the ribbons that he wore on his chest were the reason.

19. He would never use foul language in the presence of ladies. This is not to say that his "grammar" was not up to the mark. On the contrary, he probably had a PhD in "language". But NEVER in the presence of ladies.

20. While he would have enough for you to be comfortable, he was never going to be rich. But if you count your wealth in an extended family of a million warriors, tons of love, respect and loyalty...well ma'am you have married a guy richer than Bill Gates.

If he is alone in a room and looking happy, it's just him admiring his Raybans.

Proud to be part of the elite Indian Army.