Tears filled Piroja's eyes and she pleaded with her brother, "Don't go. Stay here in Poona. Why do you want to roam throughout India as a beggar? It is pointless! Stay here and get married. As your sister, I beg you. Settle down."
"But I am not meant for such a life," Sheriar explained. "I cannot marry; it isn't my nature. I do not want to hear talk about marriage anymore." Piroja began weeping and Sheriar was moved by his sister's love. He knew that even if he explained his deepest longing, it would not console her.
But the divine voice once again reverberated its message in his heart, "It is your son, Sheriar, your son ... Through your son you will know Me."
To put an end to this subject and to satisfy his sister, Sheriar forced a smile and said, "Okay. If it is your wish that I get married and settle down with a family, I am willing to do so. Let there be no further discussion on this topic. But there is one condition: I should have the liberty to marry the girl of my choice, not one of your choice. And only if the girl I select is willing, will I marry. If she refuses, then you should promise never to bring up the subject of my marriage and family life ever again and allow me to go on my way."
Although this was an unusual condition, Sheriar's determined, devout and good-natured sister agreed and inquired if he had any such girl in mind. Glancing out the window, Sheriar said, "Yes." When asked who she was, he pointed to a small, charming Irani girl wearing a white frock and loose red trousers, who happened to be passing their house. It was little Shireen on her way to her lessons. Her eyes were lowered and she was carrying a slate and a few books under her arm.
"If I ever marry," Sheriar declared, "I will marry that girl alone. Otherwise, I will never marry."
"Have some shame, Brother, before uttering such things," Piroja admonished him, since the age difference between Sheriar (30) and the girl (five) was too great. Knowing Sheriar as she did, Piroja felt that this was a ploy on his part to avoid marriage and the burden of bringing up a family. He knew the acceptance of such a proposal was preposterous! No parent would ever give their innocent, young daughter in marriage to a person such as Sheriar, who was not only unemployed but was an ascetic living a pure life away from worldly attractions.