But they were at a loss as to what to do to ease Baba's suffering. Instead of asking for something for relief, Baba instructed them to sightsee through the town. They were completely taken aback by his strange order and hesitated; none liked leaving Baba in this critical condition.
Seeing their reaction, Baba remarked, "Always remember to stay above your heart's sentiments and wishes that are contrary to my orders. I have to shatter your minds and hearts to pieces! The greatest service is to obey me. Compared to my orders, your thoughts and emotions are nothing. You cannot serve me if you fail to carry out my words; you can only cause me greater pain."
Reluctantly, the mandali went to the riverside to bathe, while Baba rested under the shade of a tree there. After bathing in the stream and exploring the area, they returned. Baba then accompanied them to see the Sukkur Barrage — a large construction work on the Indus River. When they returned in the late evening, the heat was still intense.
They started from Rohri for Quetta. The train was again crowded, and Pesu had to fight his way into their compartment.1 Pesu was so angry that he was at the point of fighting with one of the other passengers who refused to give way. Baba intervened and stopped him.
After the train was on its way, Baba reprimanded Pesu, "Instead of conquering others, we should try to conquer ourselves. Striking out at our own wrath is more desirable than striking others. It is real bravery to control our temper, and sheer weakness to be swayed by it."
Baba quipped, "Don't be like the sweltering heat of Rohri; be like the cool climate of Quetta."
Baba and the group arrived in Quetta on the morning of Saturday, 18 May. Rusi Irani was on the platform to greet them, as was Pendu, who had been staying in Quetta for the past five months. Baba was accommodated in Rusi's house, where two little blossoms of the Beloved's garden lived, Rusi's daughters, Goher and Katie.
"Do you know from what distance I have come especially to see you?" Baba asked them. "How fortunate you are."
Five years before, Baba's disciple Nervous had died in Quetta after Baba had left the city. But before Baba left, he had gone to the Parsi cemetery and marked the spot where Nervous was to be buried.
Footnotes
- 1.It was the season of pilgrimage, both for Hindus to Rishikesh and Punjabis and Mohammedans to Rohri, where there is a shrine containing a hair from Muhammad's beard.