Although each one looked into Merwan's eyes, no one could defeat him.
At this time, Merwan's friends had no idea that he was God-conscious, absorbed in a divine state of Aham Brahmasmi. Baily was particularly perplexed, for it was the first time he had ever seen his lifelong friend totally oblivious to everything around him. Jamshed commented that he was well aware of his brother's peculiar behavior, since they had stayed together in Bombay in one room for over three months. After this, however, Baily often observed Merwan sitting as motionless as a mannequin for hours, either staring intently at the light of a kerosene lamp or into the rays of the sun itself. Although he could at times function in the world, making arrangements, traveling and talking with friends, Merwan had not yet returned to gross consciousness.
In Bombay, Baily apologized for his earlier rudeness and requested that Merwan arrange another outing so their trip could continue. The others supported Baily, and Merwan decided to visit the Gharapuri Caves on Elephanta Island, three miles across from Bombay port in the Arabian Sea. They hired a boat to take them there and had an enjoyable day picnicking among the Hindu temples.
They rambled together throughout the city of Bombay for two days more, going to plays, a silent film and restaurants. One night, returning from the theater at 3:00 A.M., everyone was tired and anxious to go to sleep — except for Merwan, who asked Khodu to sing a song.
Khodu launched into the first line in a loud melodious voice: "I will be your slave if you pack up your bedding from the world [meaning to renounce the material world]."
Khodu had hardly finished the first line when Merwan sat up in his bed and quipped, "Brother, leave aside packing your bedding from the world — we'll all have to pack up from here if you continue warbling like that!"
Merwan's humorous remark was true. Other hotel lodgers had been disturbed by Khodu's outburst and had gone to the manager, rousing him from his sleep. The man came to their room to scold the group, but by the time he arrived they were all in bed pretending to be snoring, so there was nothing he could do about the ruckus.
The next day Baily had an argument with Khodu, again over hard liquor. Merwan had allowed Baily (and any others who wished) to have a few drinks, but Khodu did not think he should be given any special treatment.