Meanwhile Feram Workingboxwala, 32, had come to stay in Nasik, as Baba had ordered, and began working at the Sarosh Motor Works office with Ramjoo and Edke. During this period in Nasik, Baba once saved Feram's life. Here is Feram's account of the incident:
I remember that I foolishly ate some castor oil seeds from a tree on the riverbank where I had gone for a stroll one day. Since lunch was not yet ready, I was hungry and the seeds tasted good. I ate lunch on my return, but I began vomiting and then having diarrhea soon afterward which weakened me considerably. I sprawled out on the floor with no strength left to lift even a finger, but I was fully conscious.
Baba was in the Circle Cinema in his room — called the dressing room, where the mandali would gather around Baba when summoned — and when he was informed of my condition, he sent for me. I was carried there and laid before him. He asked me where and how I had eaten the seeds, but I could not speak. He directed Adi Sr. to take me to the Civil Hospital, where I was given a half pint of saline.
After this, my thirst was intense and unbearable; but no water was administered until evening and that, too, at only one or two teaspoonfuls!
At about midnight, the quantity was increased and after 24 hours I felt much better and was discharged in the afternoon.
While walking back to my place in the mandali's quarters of the cinema, I wanted to pass by the cinema's restaurant unobserved so as to avoid being seen by Baba who was likely to be there with the mandali. But I was not successful, as Baba caught sight of me and exclaimed, gesturing, "Oh, he has come back alive!" He called me and ordered Adi to buy refreshments of tea and pastries, which were handed round to celebrate. The mandali were happy to get a treat so unexpectedly, but I was nervous and embarrassed.
K. J. Dastur was also staying in Nasik at this time. Feram was typing Dastur's occasionally antagonistic articles with the understanding that Dastur was doing work in Meher Baba's name and should be helped. However, Feram was a new member of the mandali and quite unaware of the true state of affairs.
Finally, one day Baba called Feram and asked, "Who does Dastur's typing?"
Feram replied that he did.
"Why do you do it?"
"Because he is doing your work."
"Yes, he does it, but inversely ! Do you also want to follow his example, you simpleton?"
Feram did not understand and Baba dismissed him, commenting, "All right, do your duty."
On 11 February, Dastur told Feram, "Go and find out why Chhabu [a boy] has been dismissed from the workshop." Feram approached Vishnu and Buasaheb and they went to Baba.
On their inquiry, Baba took off his sandal and slapped them with it, indicating, "This is my reply to your question. You have both wanted this prasad for days, and today I have given it to you!"