Summary of 'The Thief's Story' (Class 10 English)

The narrator introduces himself as Hari Singh, a 15-year-old experienced and successful thief who frequently changes his name to avoid the police. He targets Anil, an easygoing, kind, and simple 25-year-old writer watching a wrestling match. Hari flatters Anil and asks for a job. Anil cannot pay him but agrees to feed him if Hari cooks. Hari is a terrible cook, but the kind-hearted Anil decides to teach him how to cook, write his name, and eventually write whole sentences.

Hari continues to make a small secret profit from the daily grocery shopping, which Anil knows but ignores. One day, Anil sells a book and brings home a bundle of 600 rupees, tucking it under his mattress. That night, the temptation is too much for Hari. He steals the money and runs to the railway station to catch the 10:30 PM Lucknow Express.

At the station, the train is pulling out, but something stops Hari from jumping on it. He wanders the cold, rainy streets, realizing what he has truly lost. He hasn't just lost a friend; he has lost the chance to be educated and become a respected man. Driven by guilt and the desire to learn, he returns to Anil's room and secretly slips the wet notes back under the mattress.

The next morning, Anil wakes up late and hands Hari a wet fifty-rupee note, saying he has finally earned some money and will now be paid regularly. Anil knew about the theft (because the notes were wet), but he didn't say a word or hand Hari to the police. Anil's complete trust and forgiveness permanently transformed Hari into a good human being.