The story “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond introduces us to Hari Singh, a 15-year-old boy who lives by stealing. However, unlike a typical thief, Hari Singh is portrayed as a complex character with intelligence, charm, and a capacity for change. One of the most memorable moments in the story occurs when Hari Singh lies about his cooking skills to Anil, a kind and simple man who takes him in.
But why did Hari Singh feel the need to lie? What motivated him to claim he could cook when he clearly couldn’t? Let’s explore the reasons behind this lie and how it plays a crucial role in Hari Singh’s journey toward transformation.
1. A Means to Gain Trust and Employment
Hari Singh’s primary reason for lying about his cooking skills was to gain Anil’s trust and secure a place to stay. As a thief who frequently changed his name and location to avoid being caught, Hari Singh needed a new place where he could live without suspicion. When he met Anil, he saw an opportunity—not just for shelter but also for access to money.
Anil was a kind-hearted man who wrote for a living and lived a simple life. However, he was reluctant to hire Hari Singh without a reason. Sensing this, Hari Singh quickly claimed that he could cook, thinking it would make him useful to Anil. In reality, Hari Singh did not know how to cook at all. This lie was a survival tactic—a way to secure a job and gain proximity to his potential target.
2. The Urge to Appear Capable and Competent
Another reason Hari Singh lied about his cooking was his desire to appear competent. As a young thief, he knew that people were less likely to trust someone without useful skills. By claiming he could cook, Hari Singh aimed to present himself as a capable individual who could contribute to the household.
Moreover, cooking is often seen as a basic, essential skill. By saying he could cook, Hari Singh wanted to seem reliable and independent. He believed that if he looked useful, Anil would keep him around longer, giving him more time to find an opportunity to steal.
3. A Step Towards Building a Relationship
Interestingly, Hari Singh’s lie was also a step toward building a relationship with Anil. Although his initial motive was theft, he needed Anil to trust him first. Claiming he could cook was a way of forming that initial bond. In fact, when Hari Singh’s terrible cooking was discovered, Anil didn’t get angry. Instead, he smiled and taught Hari Singh how to cook.
This reaction from Anil surprised Hari Singh. He wasn’t used to kindness or patience. Over time, this relationship would play a key role in transforming Hari Singh’s character. The lie about cooking, which started as a manipulative tactic, inadvertently became the starting point of Hari Singh’s moral awakening.
4. The Lie Reflects Hari Singh’s Survival Instinct
Hari Singh’s background as a thief meant that he often relied on quick thinking and deception to survive. Lying came naturally to him because it was part of how he navigated the world. Claiming he could cook was simply another lie in a series of deceptions that had kept him alive.
However, what makes this lie significant is that it marked the beginning of a new chapter for Hari Singh. Unlike his previous thefts and lies, this one led him to someone who genuinely cared about him. Anil’s kindness and trust challenged Hari Singh’s perception of the world and himself.
5. A Catalyst for Hari Singh’s Transformation
The lie about cooking is not just a small incident in the story—it is a catalyst for Hari Singh’s transformation. After living with Anil, learning to cook, read, and write, Hari Singh began to rethink his life choices. He realized that earning money honestly and living a respectable life offered more satisfaction than stealing.
When Hari Singh later got the chance to steal from Anil, he hesitated. He understood that stealing would break Anil’s trust and destroy the relationship they had built. Eventually, he chose not to steal, showing that he had changed. The lie that once served as a tool for deception had inadvertently led him to a path of honesty and self-respect.
Conclusion
Hari Singh lied about his cooking skills as a survival tactic—to gain Anil’s trust, secure employment, and create an opportunity for theft. However, this simple lie set off a chain of events that led to his moral transformation. Anil’s patience, kindness, and trust forced Hari Singh to confront his own conscience and rethink his way of life.
Ruskin Bond masterfully uses this small incident to explore larger themes of trust, redemption, and personal growth. Hari Singh’s journey from deception to honesty reminds us that sometimes, even a lie can lead to truth—if one finds the right path.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
