Abbu Khan’s goats wanted to be free and go to the hills. They did not want to be confined to his courtyard. They loved their freedom. When they went to hills, they got killed by an old wolf who lived in the hills.
Abbu Khan thought that he would live for only a few more years. He thought that he could live without goats. But he soon felt lonely. He could not do without pets. That is why he changed his mind.
Abbu Khan thought that a young goat would stay much longer. So he bought a young goat. The goat was as white as snow with gleaming eyes. The goat started loving him also.
Chandni wished to be free and go to the beautiful hills. She wanted to enjoy the cool breeze there. She thought how lovely it would be to run across the green fields. That is why Chandni hated the rope round her neck.
Abbu Khan understood that Chandni wanted to go to the hills at any cost. She had lost appetite and had grown thin. It was because she wanted to enjoy the hilltops bathed in sunlight. She did not want to be confined to Abbu Khan’s courtyard.
(i) was cruel.
(ii) loved her and wanted to save her life.
(iii) was selfish.
Answer:(ii) loved her and wanted to save her life.
Chandni had just freed herself from the house of Abbu Khan. She had come to the hills. So, she wanted to enjoy her new freedom all by herself. That is why she refused to join the group of wild goats.
(i) was stronger than the wolf.
(ii) hated the wolf.
(iii) had to retain her freedom at all costs.
Answer:(iii) had to retain her freedom at all costs.
Though Chandni was smaller and less stronger than the wolf, yet she gave a very good fight. She was not coward. She stood firm on her legs and was a picture of courage. She behaved like a brave soldier. Though in the end she lost, still she was courageous enough to face the wolf. I think that is why the wise old bird said that Chandni was the winner.
I think Chandni’s decision was right. Freedom is always better than the imprisonment. While in the hut, Chandni had lost appetite and had grown thin. She told Abbu Khan that she would die if she won’t go to the hills.
She would have never remained happy at Abbu’s house. Though we feel sad over her death, but she died a brave soldier’s death. In the end she kept her head high and died as a free creature.
It is right that freedom is life and slavery is a curse. Not only human beings, but animals and birds also crave for freedom. If a bird is kept in a cage it can never feel happy even if it is tied with golden chains. In the story ‘I Want Something in a Cage’ the stranger buys the doves and sets them free immediately thereafter.
He did so because after having remained in prison for so long, he realised the importance of freedom. In the same way for Chandni freedom is life. She was aware that she might be killed. Even then she preferred to go to the hills and the green fields.