Gradually, Merwan also began conversing with Behramji about God, the inner path, the need for a guru and other spiritual issues. Behramji was deeply interested and respected Merwan's views about spiritual matters. The two became close and would leave Poona together, visiting different places for several days at a time without informing anyone.
“”On their return, when asked where they had been, Merwan would reply, "On a pilgrimage in search of saints."
In April 1915, Merwan told Behramji, "I am going away on a long and arduous journey. I may not be back for a long time. I have decided to lead a life of fakiri [renunciation and ascetic austerities]. You may not hear from me for a long time, but if I should write you to come to me, you should immediately join me wherever I am."
Behramji was taken aback, because he wished to accompany Merwan wherever he was going. Disappointed, but influenced by what Merwan had revealed to him about spirituality, Behramji promised.
That same night, Merwan boarded a train. He had bought a ticket to Raichur in the south of India, but the echo of the Song — the divine voice within — compelled him to get off the train at the remote village of Kedgaon, just 30 miles from Poona. There he inquired as to the whereabouts of Narayan Maharaj's ashram and walked the seven miles from the railway station to the Sadguru's headquarters.
Merwan crossed a small stream and entered the grounds through a large gate, passing by the temple dedicated to Dattatrey.
“”He inquired, "Where is Narayan Maharaj?"
"He is at his palace," a caretaker replied. "Darshan is being held. Go! Narayan is giving his blessings."
A large crowd was in the palace and Narayan Maharaj, wearing a gold crown, was seated on his gaadi (lounge seat). Upon seeing Merwan, Narayan immediately stopped the darshan and had his devotees disperse. He came down from his seat and, taking Merwan by the hand, gently led him up a few steps and motioned for him to sit upon his gaadi. Narayan removed a flower garland from his own shoulders, placed it around Merwan's neck and called for mango juice, which was given to Merwan to drink. Merwan and Narayan then talked together for a while (although what they conversed about is not known).
Narayan Maharaj then granted Merwan permission to leave. Merwan walked back to the station and, finding a train about to leave, boarded it and was back in Poona in less than 24 hours.
