The
women expressed their wish to stay with Baba. How could Mehera, Naja,
Khorshed, Soonamasi or Daulatmai ever leave their Beloved Lord? Mehera's heart would never accept such separation; there was no
place in her heart for anyone except Baba. The same was true with the
other gopis. Their decision made Baba extremely happy and the serious
atmosphere turned into a scene of gaiety. Baba served food, and played
with Dina's five-year-old daughter Jeroo and three-year-old son
Curshed, and Freiny's daughters four-year-old Meheru and one-year-old
Naggu. After hearing songs sung by the women, Baba sent them back to
Nasik.
In the evening, Baba left for Chandor (about fourteen miles away)
and again returned to the Pimpalgaon Baswant dak bungalow the following
day.
The women were again called from Nasik and Baba informed them,
"I am leaving for some work; in my absence, prepare a play for
me."
He outlined the theme of the play and chose certain roles for
them.
"This will be your meditation," he added, "so
participate in it with all your hearts and have the play ready to be
performed when I return."
Afterward, the women mandali left for
Nasik and Baba returned to Chandor.
Baba met
with the men mandali at the same dak bungalow at Pimpalgaon Baswant on
29 July. When they saw him, they were also taken aback by his
appearance. Baba was wearing his old kamli coat which had become very
shabby and dirty, and cotton pants that were frayed and stained. His
hair was unkempt and tangled, black patches like bruises were seen on
his cheeks and dark circles were under his eyes. He looked haggard and
wore a sad expression.
Finding him in this
condition, Rustom and Adi burst out weeping.
Baba consoled them,
"This is my condition now — I die every moment! I don't
know what is ahead. I have much work to do in the future, but my body
has grown weak. Now if you wish to stay with me, do so; otherwise, you
may leave me. I cannot maintain anyone now; our money is finished. How
can I see to others when I myself am in such dire straits?"