The head of the party was a Jewish man named Mr. David, a teacher at St. Vincent's, who immediately recognized Baily as one of his former pupils. He invited Baily to join the picnic, but Baily declined because of his responsibilities at the store. As Baily talked with them, someone mentioned Merwan's name. Baily was eager to know how Merwan was doing.
Merwan had come to Lonavla with the group, but had gone to see Jamshed, who had moved back to help Dowla Masi and Faredoon Masa manage their restaurant. While he didn't want to avoid Baily, Merwan did not seek him out, as he did not want to remind him of their painful parting of ways.
Baily, however, became overjoyed to know that Merwan was going to join the picnic, and after the store closed, he planned to meet him. By that time, some of the party arrived with Merwan, where they met Baily at the front door at the store. All then left for Khandala, where they had a splendid time. Baily and Merwan were meeting after a lapse of a year and a half. Although Baily wanted to ask Merwan's forgiveness, he could not do so in the presence of the others — however, he and Merwan exchanged smiling glances. Only one fellow in the group, who was a close friend of both, knew of the disagreement between them. Before leaving Khandala that evening, this person addressed the group, "I must request that our respected teacher, Mr. David, use his influence to bring friendship between two friends among us who have parted company for over a year. This being such a happy occasion, it would be quite fitting to do so."
Everyone else was puzzled over who the two friends were and wanted to know more about it. Even Mr. David was in the dark about the matter and asked the fellow to divulge their names, which he did. Baily was embarrassed and confused, but Mr. David exclaimed, "Merwan does not need to be swayed or influenced, but if it adds to your respect for him, I believe Merwan would sacrifice himself in any way. I know that both are still friends, although they have not seen each other for a long time. I suggest both should exchange glasses of beer as a gesture to renew their friendship and add to the happiness of our group."
No sooner had Mr. David finished speaking than Merwan stood up, came to Baily with a smile, and offered him a glass of beer.