Chapter 4 The Unlikely Best Friends Notes & summary

Detailed Summary: The Unlikely Best Friends

Key Points of the Story

• Gajaraj, the elephant, lives in royal stables without friends. 
• A stray dog enters the stable, and Gajaraj befriends him. 
• The dog enjoys the elephant’s company but is taken away by a farmer. 
• Gajaraj and the dog refuse to eat, indicating their longing for each other. 
• The dog returns to the elephant, and they happily reunite.

Detailed Summary

Once upon a time, there was an elephant named Gajaraj who lived in the royal stables. The king loved Gajaraj dearly and made sure the elephant was well taken care of. Despite all the royal luxuries, Gajaraj felt lonely because he had no friends besides his kind mahout, the elephant trainer.

Gajaraj yearned for a companion to play with. One evening, a tired and hungry dog wandered into the stable. Seeing the dog’s condition, Gajaraj nudged some food towards him in a friendly gesture. The dog, grateful for the meal, ate heartily and then fell asleep.

The next morning, the mahout discovered the dog in the stable and noticed Gajaraj’s fondness for the new guest. He allowed the dog to stay, observing their budding friendship. The elephant and the dog started spending time together, with the dog even accompanying Gajaraj for his bath.

During the bath, Gajaraj playfully splashed water on the dog, who didn’t enjoy getting wet. Despite this, the duo enjoyed each other’s company, with the elephant even giving the dog a ride on his back, much to the dog’s delight.

However, their happiness was short-lived when a passing farmer recognized the dog as his missing pet, Buntee. Although the mahout and the farmer were unaware of the strong bond between the two animals, the dog was taken away from his newfound friend.

Gajaraj, visibly upset by the absence of his friend, refused to eat, worrying the mahout. Similarly, Buntee also refused food at the farmer’s house, showing signs of missing his elephant companion.

Recognizing the deep friendship between the elephant and the dog, the farmer decided to let Buntee go back to Gajaraj. Upon reuniting, the two friends joyously embraced, much to the relief of the mahout and the farmer.

The mahout, touched by the bond between the animals, remarked how he had also found a friend in the farmer, highlighting the power of friendship and companionship.

Theme/ Message

 Themes: 

• Friendship: The story highlights the bond between Gajaraj and the dog, showcasing the importance of companionship. 
• Loyalty: Demonstrated through the dog’s return to Gajaraj despite being taken away. 

Message: 

• Friendship is precious: It emphasizes the value of true friendship and the joy it brings. 
• Loyalty is rewarding: Loyalty leads to fulfilling relationships and happy reunions. 

Difficult Words

 1. Mahout – an elephant keeper or driver. 

2. Caretaker – a person who looks after the needs, health, and safety of others. 

3. Plunging – diving or falling quickly and with force. 

4. Splashed – scattered or poured a liquid over a surface. 

5. Yelped – made a sharp, short cry of pain or excitement. 

6. Disappeared – went missing or vanished. 

7. Indigestion – difficulty in digesting food, often causing discomfort. 

8. Slight – small or not important. 

9. Sprang – moved suddenly and quickly in a particular direction. 

10. Longing – a strong feeling of wanting or needing something or someone.