The story, The Thief by Ruskin Bond, "is based on the theme" of friendship, betrayal, aspirations, connection, trust, guilt, change, kindness, loyalty, revenge and honesty. The story is based on the fact that how love and kindness can transform even the most destructive minds of criminals and thief in this cruel world.

The theme of the story "The thief's story" is the inner conflict between guilt and survival instinct.

The story revolves around a thief who steals to survive. He is torn between his guilt and the need to steal to survive. The theme can be explained in the following points:

1. Survival Instinct: The thief steals to survive. He knows that stealing is not a good thing to do, but he has no other option. He has to feed himself and his family.

2. Guilt: The thief feels guilty about stealing. He knows that what he is doing is wrong, but he has no other choice. He struggles with his guilt throughout the story.

3. Inner Conflict: The theme of the story is the inner conflict between guilt and survival instinct. The thief is torn between his guilt and the need to steal to survive. He knows that what he is doing is wrong, but he has no other option.

4. Human Nature: The story also highlights the human nature of survival. The thief is not a bad person, but circumstances have forced him to do bad things. The story shows how people are willing to do anything to survive.

5. Moral Dilemma: The story raises the moral dilemma of whether it is right to steal to survive. The thief knows that it is wrong, but he has no other option. The story leaves the reader with the question of what they would do in a similar situation.

Overall, the theme of the story "The thief's story" is the inner conflict between guilt and survival instinct. The story highlights the moral dilemma of whether it is right to steal to survive and raises questions about human nature and survival.