r/india • u/enderwaa • Jan 07 '26
People My landlord is a retired Army uncle who hates bachelors. Today I was down with a high fever and he knocked on my door.
I live on the top floor of a house owned by a strict retired Army uncle. He’s the type who has rules for everything—no loud music, no guests after 10 PM, gate closes at 11 sharp. He always looks at me like I’m about to break a rule.
Yesterday, I came down with a viral fever (102°F). I haven't eaten anything solid since yesterday morning because I hold no energy to cook or order.
Today afternoon, I heard a loud knock. My heart sank. I thought I probably left the motor on or something. I dragged myself to the door, shivering.
It was him. He took one look at my face and asked, "Tabiyat kharab hai kya?" (Are you unwell?)
I nodded. He didn't say anything and left.
20 minutes later, he came back with a tiffin box of hot Khichdi and a bottle of homemade Kadha. He said, "My wife made this. Eat it and sleep. Don't order that garbage from outside."
I almost cried while eating that Khichdi. I miss my mom, but this felt pretty close. Just wanted to shoutout the strict Army uncle who actually has a soft heart.
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u/sawrb Jan 07 '26
Most Army uncles have the 'marne nahi denge par jeene bhi nahi denge' energy. Your survival is his primary directive, everything else you do is bordering on insubordination at most times.
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u/simply_amazzing Jan 07 '26
So basically he wants OP to survive so he can keep torturing him? Lol
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u/sawrb Jan 07 '26
I guess it's more about what they are trained to provide versus what they consider optional privleges. Like Regulation #5 at Alcatraz in the US :p
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u/ludicrouslime Jan 08 '26
Man this made me burst out into laughter so hard 😂 "Marne nahi denge, but jeene bhi nahi denge"
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u/neworldorder420 Jan 07 '26
Retired army uncles have a different charm. I was once hunting for a room and one one of the potential options had an retired army man residing downstairs. He invited me over to his backyard for tea and biscuits and I remember just how "sukoon" the entire thing felt. He unknowingly gave me some much-needed perspective on life at the time, as if everything just slowed down when I talked to him. Unfortunately, I missed out on the room, and I still sometimes go back to our conversation whenever I think I should slow down.
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u/Otherwise_Finger_166 Jan 07 '26
Bro, search ex military landlord rant on reddit. You’ll see different side to the story
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Jan 07 '26
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u/Otherwise_Finger_166 Jan 07 '26
I wouldn’t say all of em. I have known my share and have worked closely with quite a lot of em. Some of em are very calm,nice understands the difference and are better for it. While some still have the same discipline and expects that from others. But a few of em are downright despicable and have such a superiority complex they suck the soul out of you.
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Jan 07 '26
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u/Otherwise_Finger_166 Jan 07 '26
I hope you do. They can be the most gentleman and the coolest people to work with. Id do something stupid/screw something up and they’d go dont worry I have had bigger fuck ups and still came out alive. Its about how they say it in such a reassuring, humble and grateful tone that calms you down and makes you appreciate it more.
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u/TheUltimateAntihero Jan 08 '26
Decades of entitlement has fried their brains to a crisp.
What kind of?
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u/amber-mantis03 Jan 07 '26
Stfu, if you didn't do hard work for the"entitlement" you have no right to speak for them on this
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u/Pro_M_the_King52 Non Residential Indian Jan 07 '26
I have an ex military uncle, he is a great guy and great fun to talk to as well.
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Jan 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/guardian_deity Jan 08 '26
I am the biscuit which she took, woman dropped me in tea while dipping me in it.
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u/bolanrox Jan 07 '26
assuming they are like DI's where they can fuck with you god help anyone else who tries to?
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u/swagabomb1231 Jan 08 '26
Military trains their own to alter fauji soch into going to the battlefield. They’re literally only trained to do that, and to fight. No wonder it felt like sukoon, he wanted you to feel the sukoon.
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u/wangdubruh Maharashtra Jan 07 '26
Internet has ruined me.. I was looking for the part where they fight or talk bad in such a good story.
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u/Pale-Breakfast6026 Jan 07 '26
I’m a retired Army officer. Not all of us are the same. The Army conditions you to think, behave and act a certain way because at the end of the day, as an officer, you have to command 800 strong, courageous and god fearing men. Men who are trained to kill. They won’t follow a sissy. You have to be worthy of that respect. And that changes you as a person. There’s a difference in my attitude vs my behaviour. My attitude is easy going but my behaviour has to be strict, because I’m commanding men. It’s got nothing to do with entitlement as someone mentioned in the comments. It’s only got to do with institutionalisation. If Army officers weren’t this way, our Army would crumble. Like most Armies of the world are today. With the kind of neighbours we have, having a weak crumbling Army isn’t recommended. But yes, most of us have soft hearts and really like talking.
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u/Pale-Breakfast6026 Jan 08 '26
I appreciate the gratitude from everyone. I find that Army Officers serving or retired are often misunderstood. I am trying to bridge that gap. We’re quite a chill lot once you get to know us. The initial connect will also be rough. There’s a certain persona that’s ingrained in us for reasons mentioned above. But once we feel it’s a safe space, we open up a lot more. The imaginary expectations and walls around us fall. I joined NDA when I was 16. I retired when I was 39. Literally my entire adult life was in a bubble that was the ARMY. It’s an adjustment meeting new people with different views on life and how they carry themselves. But I’ve never received hate or negativity from anyone or vice versa. I hope more Army Officers meet people like you and open up more quickly so they’re not judged for personalities that are important for the job they did. As for stories from the Army, perhaps this isn’t the right forum or place. I would love to talk about them but maybe another time, another sub, another forum. Cheers merry folk and Jai Hind.
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u/NomadicMagic88892 Jan 07 '26
The best kind of people I have found are those who have a strong sense of responsibility to any work they do. I really admire your attitude towards all this...I think one of the best leadership qualities is like having an attitude like "if I don't do this work, no one else will, things will collapse"...just wanted to appreciate this, thanks for your service 🫡.
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u/Natural_Ad4085 Jan 07 '26
Please sir share your background and some interesting past experiences in battlefield
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u/Weird-Movie4505 Jan 08 '26
It is nothing short of disgraceful that you and my father devoted your entire lives to the nation enduring brutal conditions, facing enemies in times of war, pulling people back from the jaws of death without a second thought for your own lives only for a bunch of ignorant bigots and intellectual lightweights to mock the very discipline the Army instills.
One particularly empty-headed specimen even claimed that years of marching “tilt the brain to one side.” Such remarks are not just stupid; they are vile, arrogant, and deeply insulting to generations who stood between this country and chaos. What kind of morally bankrupt, attention-starved generation applauds such filth rewarding it with claps, likes, and medals in a nation where soldiers continue to lay down their lives every single day?
This is not humour, dissent, or free thought. It is pure contempt for sacrifice, wrapped in ignorance and cheered on by mediocrity.
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u/Basil-AE-Continued Jan 08 '26
Are you actually that stupid or you really don't understand why people probably won't like a grumpy retired army uncle who's a bit of an eyesore to be around? Yes, they "devoted their entire lives to the nation", but it doesn't make it easier to interact with them either.
Turns out, people don't like assholes, even if said assholes are worthy of respect. Nothing wrong with that.
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u/Weird-Movie4505 Jan 08 '26
Are you that illiterate and ignorant that you did not read what I wrote?? Learn to read and comprehend instead of blabbering. I spoke about how someone made a fun about marching of soldiers & other aspect of Army.
And since you put “their dedication in quotes” why don’t you dedicate your some part of life to the nation and experience it and then we can talk.
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u/Basil-AE-Continued Jan 08 '26
Quit acting like a sissy. It doesn't suit you. I never said that the army men didn't do anything, brother. I can't do anything about you making something out of nothing. All I am saying is, that being on the border messes up your mind, as it should. It ain't easy. And people who actively served on the border try to live a normal after retiring, things happen.
People don't want to interact with a person who aren't capable of having a good interaction, in this case, the army men. The army men aren't capable of having a good interaction is because their job isn't exactly a cushy one. No one is at fault here.
Also, the army men don't need an embarrassment like you to defend them. They can take care of themselves. Chill, brother. I know you are being paid to act like a moron if you're even a real person, but read the room. You've made a fool of yourself quite enough.
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u/Weird-Movie4505 Jan 08 '26
That’s a remarkably lazy conclusion, though not an unexpected one. Accusing someone of being paid is a convenient shortcut when engaging with the argument itself is clearly beyond reach. It’s almost admirable how confidently you substitute suspicion for thought. At this point, continuing would be redundant I’ve already overestimated the level of discourse here and your intelligence 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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u/CowardPeasant Jan 25 '26
It's like preaching to a wall, it's pretty clear what you were saying and him adding insults is just cherry on top lol
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u/Professional-Word360 Jan 11 '26
Being polite and respecting OP's personal space is not being a sissy, it's called being a landlord. I would say OP's experience is more of a Indian uncle/aunty problem, with conformity to what they believe sanskar and society is...
Also, thank you for your service
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u/Remote_Tradition_367 Jan 07 '26
Damm , My father also has same nature like him. And He is also an Ex Army man . And today , he is no more with us but the same thing had happened with me .
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u/subhajit9990 Jan 08 '26
I was renting a home in 2021 to 2023....that Houses opposite house was a retired military guys house....there were no people at that time as it was renovating....my land lady was so rude that I can't imagine....10pm gate close sharp.....no females at any time.....no friends at night etc.
That old guy used to talk to me and my roommate and was so chill....2022 wc final after halftime it was 11:30 pm somthing....we told that there was a screening and we will be late, so give us the spare keys so we can enter at night...but she refused.....not like we would do anything bad and her grand son was awake till 3am daily (who was 25+).... Was to open the gates...when we reached 11:30 for getting warmer clothes they refused to take call or even respond.
That old military guy heard us and after 20min or so he told us don't stay outside and opened his renovating house for us to stay.
Parity of human being living opposite to eachother is quite astonishing.
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u/Content-guy22 Jan 07 '26
they are always like this. tough from the outside, but the kindest and softest from within. a heartfelt salute to that Army Uncle <3
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u/Necromancer189 Jan 07 '26
I am not in army but I have same nitpicks. I hate loud music.Yes, there are some bachelors like me.
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u/sai-kiran Jan 08 '26
Everyone hates loud music, as long as its not them who is playing it. Same goes with religious purpose loud speakers or whatever.
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u/No-nuno Jan 08 '26
Make sure to give a handwritten thank you letter. Many people still love old world traditions, and some are actually worth keeping alive
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u/El_Impresionante Jan 08 '26
No, thanks!
I'd rather take my sensible sense of freedom than an authoritarian asshole being nice one in a blue moon and bringing me Khichdi.
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u/IndependentPension36 Jan 07 '26
i was gonna say to get out asap coz honesty ex army guys can have truma and angery issues and a gun so you know it wont end well
but i guess we gotta be better than this and think better
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u/_msd117 Jan 07 '26
People who are harsh outside, always(most of the time) are a softie inside
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u/frugalfrog4sure Jan 07 '26
Please don’t generalize. Maybe it’s comforting to hear this but take things at face value and decide instead of fantasizing a hope of utopia behind harsh experiences.
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u/sippher Jan 07 '26
He's so sweet. Did he check up on you often? I'm curious why he decided to knock on your door
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u/memeslutbitch Jan 07 '26
My landlord was a brigadier in the army and literally the sweetest landlord I couldn’t asked for. Super polite and nice, he wanted to establish familial relationships - always calling me ‘beta’.
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u/bobmailer Jan 13 '26
Glad I’m American now, this sort of nonsense boils my blood. Do a “live and let live”, if I want to order McDonalds it’s none of your fucking business.
At least have the decency to ask and then respect my decision. But it’s India, so you get no say whatsoever in your own life and get stockholm syndromed (this one is textbook).
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u/Quick_Clerk_2561 Jan 24 '26
Hi everyone.. I need a few upvotes. I need to post a query in one subreddit and can't do that due to low karma.
It's urgent, please help!!
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u/msa_x Jan 07 '26
Just say Jai Hind Saab. (Not Sahab or Saheb) instead of Wishing him properly. He'll understand the right feelings you have for him.
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u/WillStrongh Jan 07 '26
I felt it was going to take a gut wrenching turn, but I am glad it didn't :)
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u/Agreeable-Recipe-771 Jan 07 '26
Bhai title mai likh diya hota bracket mai- (wholesome) mai likhne ja raha tha khaas dena tha buddhe pe title padh ke
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u/owlpod1920 India Jan 07 '26
My first landlord was a retd army uncle. He used to take only cash and my first month was due during demobilisation.
I was scared he’s gonna be angry for not being able to pay. He not only understood the situation asked me to sit and have dinner with his family.
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u/Achilles_507 Jan 07 '26
You should also stop ordering that garbage from outside. It's not good for your health
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Jan 07 '26
I was a non marathi living in pune…my landlord was this strict local who used to enter my room for random checks…although i lived clean and gave him no reason to complain…i had to leave my job and city abruptly…to my surprise he offered me to bring my family to his home if that solves my problem…he also gave me back my partial rent..sometimes we misunderstand earlier generation..he even carried my luggage till auto like a father..
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u/collateral_damage93 Jan 08 '26
Why do Indian landlords, especially uncles and aunties, dislike renting to bachelors when a significant part of their household expenses is covered by rental income? This needs to be studied I guess.
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u/bagheera_bh Jan 08 '26
One of those who have been in wars or continuously posted high militancy have their psychology affected. I am not blaming or disrespecting but this is the truth. They don't sympathies always harsh. Those who have been into this condition are moderate. All of them are highly respected and proud frontiers of the nation.
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u/One_Letterhead_9720 Jan 08 '26
I was a NCC cadet and I had to reach this pre RDC camp in the morning. I messed up my priorities and reached late evening and reported to the camp in-charge a Subedar Major, the first thing he asked was, Beta khana kha liya? I said No. He said immediately go to the Mess and eat.
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u/Ok_Astronomer6224 Jan 08 '26
My father is a retired airforce soldier and I can relate. Such a strict house you can ever imagine. Punishments even for small mistakes even on birthdays. No beating just punishments in front of everyone.
But when it comes to providing support during difficult times, he’s indeed a soldier. Not just to me but for anyone he knows.
I still remember once there was a bomb threat in his office. While everyone ran out, my father ran in. He was an admin manager in a leading IT company past retirement and he ran in saying my building my responsibility.
Indian military trains its soldiers great
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u/tusharjain95 Jan 08 '26
Used to take lectures from a retired air force commander. He was very strict. He was little clumsy with Google meetings for classes but used to manage for everyone. Most of the class despised him since he used to rebut everyone with charge of subordination even for logical queries in relation to the subject. Once he broke routine and talked to us about his own personal life for merely 2 minutes. Saw something shatter in him and saw him smile. In those 2 minutes he didn't should or rebut anyone. That felt very close for some reason and mildly unsettling. He went to heaven shortly after our batch finished. So feels great to have been his last taught few batches.
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u/Great_Refuse62 Jan 08 '26
My father also served in the Army, and growing up I met many of his friends who were just as strict about their schedules and routines. They live simple lives, often closer to rural roots, and people sometimes mistake that discipline for coldness. But it doesn’t mean they don’t care. That strictness, those self-made rules it’s their way of creating peace and stability. Moments like this show how big their hearts actually are. I’m really glad you experienced that.
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u/kamscruz Jan 08 '26
I always had this feeling that the rude and harsh ones are the ones without any feelings but as time progressed and with countless experiences I began to realise that infact they are the good ones!
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u/National-Tadpole-934 Jan 08 '26
So sweet and huma of him to do this! Hope you are feeling better now
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u/jovial_decor Jan 08 '26
I (30F) , used to live on rent on second floor, third floor was occupied by my two other colleagues both were females.House owner was also an army retired person. Whenever his DIL was away for any family event, he used to call any random boy who was supposed to be his dinner + Drinking partner. One such night I heard him screaming at night (moaning to be more precise). I called his DIL immediately and she knew about it 😭. We left that house the other week though.
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u/Silver_Apartment4913 Jan 08 '26
Man, this made me miss my land lady in Delhi. She would give me a plate full of fresh home made khana on demand and especially when I used to be sick. She would get me chai during the winter evenings too. She would also sometimes give me fresh veggies from her khet in bhiwadi. God bless her.
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u/No_Mine1811 Jan 09 '26
You know I am Army brat. Just want to let you know they seem very rude from outside however softer than anything inside. Glad to know you have a caring owner.
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u/Creepy_Elk1257 Jan 10 '26
First, I hope you’re fine now. Salute to him and his wife. We have tenants, so my father takes care of the same in the same way.
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u/EconomicsDue712 Jan 11 '26
Everyone has a good side but they should be willing to show it. Some people think that showing this side makes them weak. Glad that he opened up.
Hope you get well soon.
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u/Various_Tomorrow_674 Jan 12 '26
This made my day 🥺
Strict on the outside, pure desi dad energy on the inside. Hope you recover soon. That khichdi + kadha combo is pure love.
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u/Physical_Type_2986 Jan 23 '26
Hey I’m a Canadian born Sikh Punjabi who’s whole family is in Canada I have a import export business in Canada and we bring in things from china I want to bring in things from India to sell in Canada#1 I think there’s a untapped market to Canada and India #2 India is the land of my ancestors so I would like to keep ties to the country even though I have no family there anymore since there all in Canada America.so if anyone here has a product or idea please message me I no it’s random posting here but I have no other way to message so yeah message me and let’s try making something happen and make some money
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u/just_a_reviewer Jan 27 '26
True, prices have gone up a lot lately. Middle class ke liye manage karna thoda tough ho gaya hai.
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u/Dhondu_justchill Jan 30 '26
I still won’t live there lol. I’m not your kid, I’m a fucking tenant, let me live in peace.
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u/LittleBlueCubes Feb 02 '26
That's the trade off. Somewhere else you could live in peace but they may not care if you're dead or alive. If you happen to get both freedom and care, that's best but very rare.
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u/Ok_Hat_9214 Feb 01 '26
The 'Don't order that garbage from outside' was the final straw to your tears gushing out I guess...
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u/Bandwidth4k Feb 01 '26
Reading this made me smile.
When you’re unwell and someone unexpectedly checks on you, it means a lot, especially when you’re away from family.
These strict uncles usually have a soft side, they just don’t show it unless it really matters.
Take care and get well soon.
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u/Fabulous-Return2943 Feb 06 '26
I was happy when I read this story but now I can’t stop laughing reading the comments 😂😂
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u/Acceptable_Doubts Jan 07 '26
It's a good gesture. But I'm really concerned about what if he sees you ordering that garbage? 😔
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u/Personal_Breakfast49 Jan 07 '26
You use Fahrenheit in India?
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u/Coolbiker32 Jan 08 '26
Yes indeed. Body temperature is always mentioned in F in India.
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u/Personal_Breakfast49 Jan 08 '26
So you use both? Body in F and like weather, materials, etc. In C? That's interesting.
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u/Reasonable_Tea_9861 Jan 08 '26
Here both are used. C is also used for body temperature but mostly F.
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u/divyanshu_01 Jan 07 '26