Women's Day Special (Heroine in the Background) Brig PS Gothra(Retd)

“Don’t join the Army, or if you do, don’t get married,” said Grandmother. “Dadima, are you afraid that I will get killed? Or do you hate the Army otherwise?” Sanjay asked. He had always enjoyed teasing her, but today was different. He was seeking her permission in earnest, having qualified for the technical stream to join the Army. “No, I am not afraid. One can get killed anywhere. If I were a man, I would have loved to join the Army myself. But then, I wouldn’t have gotten married.” She paused, looking into the distance. “The Army has given us so much, but I am against your joining because of that beautiful girl you are seeing. I don’t want her life to be ruined by your decision.” “Dadima, I have never been able to understand your conflicting stance.” She took a deep breath. “Sanjay, your grandfather was in the Royal Indian Army. During the Second World War, we received news that after a Japanese attack, he was missing and presumed dead. Many soldiers were captured and forced to join ...