Changing the subject, Baba asked, "Why is it that men have mustaches and women do not?"
None of the men mandali gave a satisfactory answer, so Baba explained:
A mustache is a sign of manliness — to endure all the strains in adverse circumstances, both material and spiritual, and against the powerful forces of maya. It is a sign to stand up against anger, lust, and greed, and not to be so delicate, sensitive, and feeble-minded like a [fickle] woman. A man must be the personification of manliness, always ready to offer his head when the time comes. Men with such qualifications are required in this Path. They are real heroes who endure all hardships and suffering to reach the Goal. All other men are cowards in spite of flaunting mustaches, however big.
In short, be true to your mustache; that is, be a man. Don't frown and fret and try to run away like cowards from the battlefield of the Path without winning. Heroes do or die!
Baba was planning to enter seclusion on the upper floor of Gyas Manzil, where an indoor cabin resembling a cage had been specially built for him according to his instructions. No one was to enter his cage-cabin except Gustadji, Chanji, Buasaheb, and some of the boys, and they could only do so when Baba signaled for them. Tea was to be brought at 6:00 A.M. daily.
During Baba's seclusion, Ramjoo's wife Khatija was to stay with the women mandali at Pigeon House, while Ramjoo was to live with the mandali. Publication of The Meher Message had not stopped, and Ramjoo was instructed to edit articles for the The Meher Message , from points dictated by Baba. Raosaheb was to translate the articles into Persian.
Before Baba entered seclusion on Thursday, 9 January 1930, he had tea at Naval's in the afternoon, visited Sarosh Motor Works, and also spent an hour with Mehera and the other women at the Pigeon House.
At 9:00 P.M. Baba installed Pleader in a separate room with strict instructions for him to remain inside under all circumstances ("Even if a cobra enters your room!") and to fast on water and milk.
Baba gave last minute instructions to Ramjoo and his brother-in-law Abdulla, before entering into seclusion at 11:00 P.M. Ramjoo's eleven-year-old son Dadu, along with two other boys, Kalingad and Rajaram, were to stay near Baba and assist Gustadji.