Chapter 7, "Chandni," from the Class 7 NCERT English textbook, "Alien Hand": 

Summary:

"Chandni" is a touching and emotional story that revolves around the bond between a young girl named Tara and a street dog named Chandni. The narrative explores themes of friendship, compassion, and the transformative power of love.

The story begins with Tara, a young girl who lives with her grandmother and sister in a small house. One day, Tara's grandmother brings home a sick and injured street dog. Despite the initial reluctance of Tara's family, they decide to care for the dog and name her Chandni.

As Chandni recovers, Tara forms a deep and unbreakable bond with her. The two become inseparable companions, sharing moments of joy, comfort, and understanding. Chandni brings solace to Tara's life, filling it with warmth and happiness.

Tara's relationship with Chandni also introduces her to the harsh realities of life on the streets for animals. She witnesses the cruelty and indifference of some people towards street dogs, which further deepens her empathy and determination to protect Chandni.

However, circumstances take a turn for the worse when Chandni falls gravely ill. Despite Tara's efforts to care for her, Chandni's health deteriorates. Tara's love and concern for Chandni are palpable as she watches over her faithful friend, hoping for a miracle.

Tragically, Chandni's health continues to worsen, and she eventually passes away. Tara is heartbroken by the loss of her beloved companion. The story captures the raw emotions of grief and the pain of losing a cherished friend.

In a poignant and bittersweet twist, the story concludes with Tara finding solace in the form of a new puppy. The arrival of the puppy reminds Tara of the cyclical nature of life and the capacity for love to transcend loss. While the new puppy cannot replace Chandni, Tara learns to embrace the healing power of new beginnings.

Themes:

Friendship and Companionship: The central theme revolves around the deep bond of friendship between Tara and Chandni, emphasizing the profound connection that can exist between humans and animals.

Compassion and Empathy: The story underscores the themes of compassion and empathy as Tara's experiences with Chandni deepen her understanding of the emotions and needs of animals.

Loss and Healing: The story sensitively addresses the themes of loss and grief, highlighting the process of healing and finding solace in new beginnings.

"Chandni" is a poignant story that portrays the unconditional love and understanding that can develop between humans and animals. It invites readers to reflect on the emotional significance of companionship and the impact that caring for animals can have on our lives.