The introduction to Chapter 36 mentions a 'story of the theft.' Can you tell me that story?

The 'story of the theft' is not narrated within the provided text of Chapter 36. The chapter's introduction explicitly states that this story was told in the preceding chapter, and it serves as a reference point to introduce the next narrative. The text says, 'Now, following the previous chapter, where the beautiful story of the theft was narrated, please pay attention to the promise that was given.' This promise is to tell another story that acts like 'the very water of self-bliss' to increase devotion. Therefore, to learn about the theft, one would need to refer to the chapter prior to Chapter 36, as these excerpts focus only on setting the stage for a new leela.