The Thief's Story

• The Initial Encounter: A 15-year-old experienced thief, using the pseudonym Hari Singh, approaches 25-year-old Anil during a wrestling match. Hari uses flattery to gain the confidence of the simple and easy-going Anil.
• Employment and Trust: Anil agrees to employ Hari despite having no money to pay him regularly. Although Hari lies about being able to cook, Anil keeps him and even promises to teach him how to read, write his name, and add numbers.
• A Growing Bond: Hari enjoys working for Anil, making a small profit of about one rupee a day from the morning supplies. He recognizes that Anil is a struggling writer who earns money "by fits and starts," yet remains incredibly trusting, giving Hari a key to the house.
• The Temptation: One evening, Anil returns with a bundle of notes (600 rupees) from selling a book. Seeing the money tucked under the mattress, Hari decides it is time to do some "real work," justifying the theft by noting that Anil would only waste the money on friends.
• The Theft: While Anil sleeps, Hari creeps up and steals the money, intending to catch the 10:30 Express to Lucknow. He makes it to the station, but hesitates for an unexplainable reason and watches the train depart without him.
• Internal Conflict: Standing alone in the rain, Hari reflects on the different reactions people have to being robbed. He realizes that Anil will feel sadness not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.
• The Value of Education: Hari understands that the education Anil is providing is worth far more than a few hundred rupees. He realizes that while stealing is easy, being a "clever and respected man" requires the literacy Anil offers.
• The Return: Hari returns to the room and nervously slides the damp, rain-soaked notes back under the mattress while Anil is still asleep.
• Forgiveness and Change: The next morning, Anil gives Hari a fifty-rupee note that is still wet. Anil reveals he made money and will now pay Hari regularly, and calmly announces they will start writing sentences. Though Anil clearly knows about the theft, he shows no anger, and Hari smiles at him with genuine, effortless warmth.