Step 1: Concept
The angle $\theta$ between the pair of straight lines represented by the equation $ax^2 + 2hxy + by^2 = 0$ is given by:
\[ \tan\theta = \frac{2\sqrt{h^2 - ab}}{|a + b|} \]
Step 2: Meaning
Comparing the given equation $x^2 - 2cxy - 7y^2 = 0$ with the general equation, we get $a = 1$, $b = -7$, $2h = -2c \implies h = -c$, and the angle $\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}$.
Step 3: Analysis
Substitute the parameters into the formula:
\[ \tan\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = \frac{2\sqrt{(-c)^2 - (1)(-7)}}{|1 - 7|} \]
\[ \sqrt{3} = \frac{2\sqrt{c^2 + 7}}{|-6|} \]
\[ \sqrt{3} = \frac{2\sqrt{c^2 + 7}}{6} = \frac{\sqrt{c^2 + 7}}{3} \]
Cross-multiplying and squaring both sides:
\[ 3\sqrt{3} = \sqrt{c^2 + 7} \implies 27 = c^2 + 7 \implies c^2 = 20 \]
Step 4: Conclusion
The value of $c^2$ is $20$.
Final Answer: (A)