He would compose and sing songs not only in praise of other saints but also of Merwan. This was liked by all, and Merwan too encouraged him. He used to take financial help from Merwan, and his association with Merwan lasted for a long time.
Baily had been largely unaware of Merwan's contact with Babajan and Upasni Maharaj, but during the month of his leave he noticed a change in his friend: "I felt a transformation in Merwan's attitude. The 'old' Merwan was no more and I was in the company of a 'new' Merwan. This is what I felt in my heart all the time. As days went by, I became more and more aware of Merwan's detachment and aloofness."
Baily sought out Merwan's company every chance he could, continuously trying to persuade him to join the military. Finally, Merwan gave in. "I will join the navy with you," he said. "I will agree on the condition that I be stationed wherever you are." Baily confidently promised to arrange it, since it was wartime and the military needed all the recruits it could muster.
Early the next morning, Baily contacted his superior, who also happened to be in Poona, and then took Merwan to the navy recruitment office and had him enlisted. Merwan signed the necessary induction papers and was instructed to wait for the orders to report for duty. Baily was delighted. Thus, Merwan joined the navy and offered himself in the service of the British Empire and his country. Of course, Merwan had not spoken about his decision with his parents, and no one except Baily knew what he had done.
A few days passed while Merwanji continued his daily duties at his father's toddyshop. Then one evening, a Maratha clerk working at the recruitment office mentioned to his own father about Merwan's enlistment. The father was a regular customer at Bobo's shop and went for a drink as usual. Merwanji knew him also, but he rarely worked in the toddyshop in the evening. The man started talking to Bobo. "Your son should be complimented," he said. "You must be very proud of him. It's a big sacrifice on his part to volunteer and serve his country in this bloody war."
Bobo at first could not follow what the man was talking about and thought he was under the influence of the toddy. He started making light of it, teasing the man, "My friend, you have drunk too many tonight. You don't know what you are saying! My Merog, a recruit? Nonsense! Merog is not the military sort."
The man was surprised by Bobo's remarks and disclosed the facts of the matter: "I am telling you, Sheriar, it is true. My son told me that Merwanji signed the papers." Only then did Bobo believe him, and he became anxious. When Merwanji returned home from his nightly visit with Babajan, Bobo confronted him immediately, "Son, I have heard some shocking news. Have you enlisted in the navy?"