Back in the summer of 1980, a young, fresh-out-of-college from Kota accompanied her father, Brig JK Kohli to Delhi, to meet a boy whose family had responded to the matrimonial ad her father had placed in the newspaper. Col Rohit Chaudhuri was en route from his posting in Akhnoor, to meet his family in Chandigarh and agreed to meet the girl his mother had insisted he meets. Three hours later, Col Rohit was engaged to the lovely Sangita. Thus began a love story that continues till date.
Their story has seen many ups and downs as is invariably the fate of every army couple’s life. Moving cities, separation induced by postings in conflict-zones or being on the field fighting wars, they’ve seen it all. And survived! As Sangita laughingly recalls, after her marriage, which was three months after their first and only meeting (they kept in touch through letters in the meantime), she landed in Akhnoor and in absolute contrast to general perception of all armypersons living in elegant accomodations in Cantt areas, found herself living in a “Basha”, an army term for a makeshift shelter. Even such an unexpected start couldn’t put a dent on their marital bliss. Two little boys, and many spells of separation followed the initial years of togetherness.
Seeing her beautiful and talented daughter-in-law living alone in Dehradun with her two small boys, Sangita’s mother-in-law insisted she moves in with them to Chandigarh and does justice to her talent by stepping out to work. That is how Sangita’s teaching journey began. Teaching gave her purpose and the much needed distraction. The toughest point for Sangita came when Col Chaudhuri was sent to Kargil as a Commanding Officer. It was a war-zone and he had to lead from the front. Her prayers were answered and he came back victorious.Both having now retired from their careers, they continue to engage in community affairs and most importantly, continue to spread cheer & laughter with their delightful chemistry. She is the Yin to his Yang and perfectly compliments his reserved persona with her affable personality. They’re also doting grandparents to four adorable grandchildren.
A much-deserved “Happy ending” to a romantic thriller that has lasted for over 4 decades.
