The Thief's Story by Ruskin Bond

Overview

• The story is about Hari Singh, a 15-year-old thief, and his encounter with Anil, a simple, kind, and easygoing man.
• Hari Singh changes his name every month to avoid being caught.

Meeting Anil

• Hari meets Anil at a wrestling match and sees him as an easy target for theft.
• Hari offers to work for Anil in exchange for food, even though he cannot cook.
• Anil allows Hari to stay despite the initial disastrous meal.

Life with Anil

• Hari learns to cook under Anil's guidance and begins to receive some education.
  • Anil teaches him to write his name and promises to teach him to write full sentences.
• Hari takes advantage of Anil's trust by making a profit when buying supplies.
• Anil is a writer with an unsteady income, celebrating when he earns money and worrying when he doesn't.

Temptation and Theft

• Anil receives money from selling a book and hides it under his mattress.
• Hari decides to steal the money, amounting to 600 rupees.
• After stealing, Hari contemplates leaving by train but is stopped by his own conscience.

Reflection and Redemption

• Hari reflects on Anil's potential reaction, realizing the loss of trust is more significant than the loss of money.
• He considers the long-term benefits of education over thievery.
• Hari decides to return the money and places it back under the mattress.

Conclusion

• The next morning, Anil gives Hari 50 rupees and mentions learning whole sentences, showing he is aware of Hari's actions but chooses forgiveness.
• Hari is moved by Anil's understanding and smiles genuinely, indicating his change of heart.

Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The story explores the themes of trust, its breach, and the significance of forgiveness.
• Education vs. Crime: Highlights the value of education as a better path than crime.
• Redemption: Hari's journey from a thief to someone who values trust and education.