"This Path is strewn only with hardships, and only heroes can tread it. Many pundits are there to give lectures and speak about philosophy, but only a hero can tread the Path. It is like balancing oneself on the edge of a sword. What am I to do? I have to keep you alive while jabbing my knife in your chest, which causes you to cry out. What can we do? This is our situation."
Failing to find a suitable residence in Quetta, Baba remarked to Rusi, "What is the use of your residing here when there is now no place for me to stay? You had better take your family and leave Quetta permanently."
There was hidden meaning in Baba's casual remark. Unfortunately, Rusi was only able to understand its significance some years later.
On the evening of Thursday, 23 May 1929, Baba and the mandali left Quetta by train, and reached Bombay on the morning of the 26th. Kaka Baria, his sister Banubai and her husband Manekji Confectioner were waiting at the station to receive them. Kaka offered his car for Baba's use during their stay in Bombay.
Baba went to Naoroji Dadachanji's house, where he had a bath and gave darshan to a few visitors.1 He also visited Burjor Dahiwala's home. Pilamai was there and joined Baba and the group. Baba left Bombay for Meherabad by train, arriving there at 11:00 A.M. on 27 May. He had traveled approximately 3,700 miles in eighteen days. Baba had also been fasting since arriving in Quetta eleven days earlier.
Telegrams were sent to different mandali informing them of Baba's arrival at Meherabad. Pilamai stayed for two days and was then ordered to return to Bombay. Raosaheb and Chhagan were told to sleep in Baba's Jhopdi.
During the morning of Saturday, 1 June 1929, Baba broke his fast with a little rice and dal. Kaikhushru Masa, Soonamasi, Khorshed, Freiny, and Dolly met Baba that day, and Baba discussed Kaikhushru Masa's personal affairs with him.
Soon after his return to Meherabad, one day Baba went to the Family Quarters near Arangaon. He sent for Vishnu, who came running barefooted to Baba. After a brief discussion, Baba directed Vishnu to summon Raosaheb.
Vishnu was about to leave when Baba directed him, "Don't walk barefooted; take my chappals."
Vishnu picked up Baba's sandals, touched them to his forehead and put them down again by Baba's feet. "Master," he replied, "I could never wear your holy chappals."
Footnotes
- 1.The address of the Dadachanjis' home was Block No. 2, Rustom Bagh, Victoria Road, Byculla.