Baba asked Chhagan's opinion of this plan, and he replied, "I have come to be with you, not to work in a garage. If you don't wish to keep me near you any longer, I will go away."
"That is not the point," Baba explained. "I order you to work in Rustom's workshop. And if you obey my order, then you are with me."
"I wish to remain physically with you always."
"What is the use of staying with such an attitude? Though you may be at my side, if you don't obey me, then you are still far, far away from me."
Chhagan walked out. After pondering the matter, he returned, seeking Baba's forgiveness. As a punishment, Baba motioned for him to do five deep knee bends holding his earlobes (the typical punishment meted out to naughty Indian schoolchildren), which he did. Those present were amused by Chhagan's antics, and in this manner, Baba pardoned him.
On the 20th of November, during his usual evening stroll, some people on the street saw Baba and were very impressed with his long hair and flowing white sadra. Noticing the mandali walking behind him, they wondered why he was being followed by such oddly dressed assortment of men. They concluded that Baba must be a famous actor and the mandali his dramatic company. It was later learned that these local people had tried to find out where the group's "performances" were being staged.
The women mandali staying in Nasik were Mehera, Daulatmai, Naja, Khorshed, Soonamasi, and Walu. Daulatmai was staying with her daughter Freiny, as her bungalow was near the women mandali's house — called Kabootar Khanna — the Pigeon House. Naval and Dina Talati and their children had moved to Nasik to be near Baba. Ramjoo's sister Amina Jaffer and her husband Abdulla were also residents of Nasik at this time, and Amina and Dina would often visit the women mandali.
Mostly secluded in their house, Baba had ordered the women to meditate for two hours every day. Besides this, they were ordered to prepare meals for those Arangaon boys who were working in Rustom's garage in Nasik.
Baba's parents would occasionally come to see him in Nasik, bringing Mani with them. Mani was then a student in grammar school.
From childhood, Mani had loved Baba dearly. Recently, Mani had heard that Baba was about to break his silence. She wrote to him: "Baba, you have promised me that at the time of breaking your silence, I would be with you. I have heard you are about to speak soon. We have no holidays now, so please wait until Mother brings me to Nasik."