Merwan also continued his writing. When time permitted, he would compose poems on religious themes, and he would also write humorous satirical poems which amused his friends and which they liked to sing aloud. In fact, Merwan's college classmates and friends used to refer to him as "The Poet," sometimes calling him the "Ideal Poet" or the " Atta [flour]-and-Dal Poet" — which denoted an experienced poet, able to deal with a variety of subjects or themes and able to wield his pen to compose long and short poems. Merwan was also referred to as a "born poet" who could rhyme effortlessly in three languages — Gujarati, Urdu and Persian — on the most difficult and diverse subjects and themes. Often for the sheer enjoyment of it, he would spontaneously compose a rhyme on any subject suggested by his friends.
At one point, Baily recorded, Merwan wrote a complete film scenario of nearly 200 typed pages in English, along with other story ideas, and mailed it to Universal Film Company in America. Unfortunately, what became of the screenplay is unknown.1
After passing his freshman exam, Merwan entered the inter (sophomore) class of Deccan College in 1912. At this time, some of Merwan's friends drank beer, and he would occasionally join them for one or two drinks, but he detested drunkenness. Merwan was good company and a cheerful, merry friend who appreciated a good joke; he always tried to keep those around him happy.
The college professors admired Merwan and anticipated much success for him in the world. The young men of all classes respected him to such a degree that they would confide in him and confess their weaknesses. Some of his classmates who failed would plead with their professors to pass them — mainly so they could remain in Merwan's class.
Although Baily and Merwan had been the best of pals throughout childhood, they had had a painful falling-out and had parted ways after high school. Baily had a proud and arrogant nature which led to differences between the two youths. Baily had not gone to college and had left Poona and moved to Lonavla, where he was employed as a manager in his elder brother's general store.
One splendid Sunday morning some youngsters who were going on a picnic came into Baily's store. They were coming from Poona and were on their way to Khandala and happened to stop at the store to purchase some items.
Footnotes
- 1.Baily's description of this scenario may not be entirely accurate. It is more likely that Merwan mailed ideas for a film to an American film company rather than a typed scenario. Baily wrote that no reply was received from the company; but Chanji later recorded a conversation with Baba's brother Jal, who stated that the film company had replied positively and wished Merwan to expand his idea. But by that time, Baba had met Babajan and was not interested in pursuing it. (Chanji's diary, v21–22, 17 March 1927.)