Jealous husband vs "Innocent" dog

A short story of an innocent decision that changed a husband's life forever

How Chiku woke up the couple

Raj vs Chiku

The war between Raj and Chiku started the first night the pup took his place on the bed.

If anyone asked, the soldier did not regret getting their first dog for his wife. Much. He loathed the day he had brought the rascal home.

The soldier told himself he had no choice. His Riva missed Bholu, the street dog who had adopted her as his own since they had to transfer again. So, Raj quickly arranged a pickup when one of his juniors was talking about this golden retriever pup his relatives were not able to take care of.

Vamsi opened the door to a grinning Raj with the pup in a basket and grumbled about the torture he was facing working for the couple. The housekeeper would have shut the door if not for his lady squealing from behind. He settled by rolling his eyes before returning to the kitchen. He took out his feelings on the tomatoes and onions.

Riva hugged the pup to her chest, laughing in delight when the excited puppy licked her face. Raj’s chest had filled with love for the smile on her, and he had rearranged the furniture in the living room to make a bed for the new member of their family.

Raj did not appreciate the sight of the puppy snoring in his wife's arms. He had gently tried to take him from Riva. But she did not let go. Her pleading eyes were the reason he lost the first battle with the barking puppy.

And it gave the puppy airs to establish himself as Riva’s favorite. He was the first one kissed when she woke up, the first fed, and the one who sat happily in her lap whenever they went for drives.

Raj had put his foot down to make him sleep in his bed outside after the third night. He would have insisted that he sleep on the porch to make him stronger, but he had learned early on that such jokes were not appreciated when they concerned Riva’s Chiku.

He tied his tongue most of the time and learned the art of grumbling under his breath from Vamsi, who was slowly warming to Chiku. Raj had caught him sliding a tomato to the eager puppy when he thought no one was looking.

That is why he had to take it upon himself to train the tyrant. The two resident humans could not be trusted with the responsibility. They had their noses plastered to the window whenever Raj took the puppy outside to teach him some manners, shaking their heads whenever the soldier withheld treats from their dear Chiku.

Only Raj could see his true nature. How he peed on his shoes after the sessions, took down only Raj’s white kurtas from the drying line in the yard, and tore off the newspaper as soon as Riva was done with it and placed it on the table for her husband.

Riva laughed off his accusations and told him that they would warm up to each other soon with time. Raj had his doubts.

The rascal made himself comfortable beside Riva on the sofa in the evenings and argued with Raj as if he was the one intruding. Chiku started accompanying Vamsi and Riva to the market, gracefully accepting pets and treats from the vendors. He even showed off the tricks he had learned from Raj at the parties.

But the worst part was how Chiku admired Riva. That was solely Raj’s job, in his humble opinion. And yet, the dog had taken over this job, too.

Chiku sat and wagged his tail beside the vanity stool while Riva went through her morning routine of applying cream and combing her hair. He barked with gusto when she slathered her face with a homemade paste of milk and gram flour on Sundays.

He did not give way for Raj to reach her. She had to lean over to slather his face on the bed as Chiku jumped over them to get included. Riva always gave in and scooped the remaining paste on his forehead.

It took Raj a year to realize he could not win this war with honest tactics. His friends arranged for a meeting and gave their solutions. Three were at the forefront. Sending the dog to a relative for a stable home, bribing Vamsi to Raj's side, and enrolling the dog in military training.

At last, bringing another dog to the mix won. The logic was simple, Chiku would have someone to play with. Completely innocent. It would be better for him if someone asked Raj. Sure, the risks doubled in acquiring a copy of the resident devil.

But Raj preferred to look on the bright side. The search began behind Riva’s back. The breeds were discussed. A similar one was outed at the get-go to reduce the risk factor.

And finally, Simba was introduced to the family at Chiku’s first birthday party as his gift.

Another headache for Vamsi, a nice surprise for Riva, but most importantly, Raj’s personal weapon against Chiku.

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Next part,

How could a dog not love Riva?

Do you also have a dog that has taken over your life? If this story made you smile, let me know by liking, restacking, leaving a sweet comment, or becoming a member.

If you want to read about Simba in the future,

To read more of Riva and Raj, head here.