Merwanji replied, "Yes, Father, that is a fact. I am joining to be near Baily and we're going to travel all over the world together."
"Listen to me, son," Bobo said. "You must stay away from such things! Have your name withdrawn tomorrow!"
Merwanji refused, pointing out, "Once my name has been registered, it cannot be stricken. I want to join."
Merwanji further pleaded, "Bobo, give me your permission. Give me your willing permission to join the navy."
Bobo was obstinate and refused to hear another word. "Nonsense, you are not meant for such things, Merog! I do not want you to go away — it is difficult for me to let you out of my sight for even a few days — much less months or years at a time. Merog, you are not meant for such a life. I am going to that navy office tomorrow myself and make certain that your name is erased from the enlistment list."
Bobo's remarks did not affect Merwanji, and he disregarded his father's threat. But the very next morning, Bobo did go to the head recruiting officer and, using his influence (and a thick packet of currency notes), had his son's name removed. Merwanji appeared disappointed and, moreover, so was Baily. Bobo made Baily promise not to talk to Merwan about such things or he would forbid him to visit. Baily promised and continued to meet Merwanji at the toddyshop every day during the remainder of his leave. The two friends reminisced about their childhood days and mutual friends, discussed poetry and talked about Baily's future.
Baily continued to be deeply impressed by Merwan's poetic gift. In Baily's account, he recorded this incident from that time:
For Merwan it was simply child's play to rhyme or compose verses. He did it with seemingly effortless ease. He had a great facility — no sooner he took a pen in hand it would start writing on the paper. Moreover, at times on the spur of the moment he would speak in verses! One time I challenged his ability and asked him to write a congratulatory poem on the occasion of the wedding of a mutual friend named Minoo. Though Merwan had no interest in such themes, just to please Minoo, who was also present, he wrote a splendid song which he himself sang. The song was so beautiful that I was taken aback at his natural gift and all my doubts vanished.