It was all for the best until 1928, when Abdulla [Chhota Baba] had his experience in the Prem Ashram and the fire of love began speaking through the boys. But when Muhammad Hussein was thrashed and beaten in my presence by his close relatives — coupled with the continual nuisance of Aga Ali's father — I had to leave Meherabad temporarily for Toka. There was no other point in going to Toka and spending so much money unnecessarily, but this reason was there.
And now a new difficulty [Genu's death]. When Ali's father listens to reason, another trouble crops up. This is the last chance. If Ali's father again comes, we will try to persuade him to let Ali remain; if not, I will close up the whole shebang. For the time being, we should let things carry on as they are.
If this one year passes smoothly, I will make Abdulla such that he will carry the whole world in his pocket! If not, then I intend to leave India for Persia.
Meanwhile, in order to wipe out the mixed effects of Genu's death, we should proceed to Happy Valley for two or three days. The moment we return, duties should be divided as follows: I will look after the Prem Ashram, Buasaheb is to supervise the mandali, and Baidul will attend the garden. Our work will progress with double the force if Baidul does his duty in the garden enthusiastically and with honest labor.
Accordingly, a short trip to Happy Valley was arranged. The group left Meherabad on foot at seven in the evening on the 25th, staying overnight at Akbar Press. Early the next morning at 6:45 A.M., they set out on the Aurangabad Road for Happy Valley. While walking on the outskirts of Ahmednagar, they were passed by a small platoon of army troops. The boys walked behind Baba, looking like little monks, and the mandali followed in odd assorted outfits; meanwhile the soldiers in uniforms marched past them on the road.
After going some distance, Baba halted for a short rest. He asked if there was anything to eat. But they had brought nothing.
Baba lamented, "This is my luck. I have not eaten anything since yesterday and am very hungry. Despite there being half a dozen orderlies buzzing about me, just see how they take care of me. To pay attention to what I say and desire is real meditation. What better meditation could there be than that?"