Invited to Navsari and Nagpur in December, Baba left Meherabad at six in the morning for Talegaon on Monday, 20 December 1937, driven by Adi Sr. in Sarosh's Chevrolet. Norina, Gustadji and a new boy named Gajanand (whom Jalbhai had found at the Ahmednagar railway station) accompanied them.1
In Cannes, Baba had informed Norina, "We shall return to India, and there I want you to join me on a trip through certain cities. I want you to see me at work there as you have seen me at work here."
On the way they stopped in Poona at Baba's family's house, where they were met by Memo, Adi Jr., Beheram and his wife Perin. Baba showed Norina the room upstairs at Bhopla House where he used to seclude himself and the room at Baba House where he used to bang his head on the stone flooring.
He remarked, "One day men from all parts of the world will come here on pilgrimage."
In Talegaon, Baba met Ramjoo's and Ghani's families, and Amina and Abdulla Jaffer. Ghani had arranged a bhajan program by a local singer, which many attended. It went on the whole night and Baba did not have much rest.
Leaving Talegaon at 7:00 A.M. the next morning, the group arrived in Bombay at 9:30, where preparations for giving darshan were being made at Naoroji Dadachanji's house. Baba also allowed "free darshan" at Kaka Baria's sister's home, where he was staying. After eating lunch at Alamai Katrak's (who lived downstairs in the same building), Baba went to Naoroji's and met his Bombay lovers, who were very close in his love. "From the very early days," Age said in admiration, "Wine had entered their souls, and the Song was being sung in their hearts!"
Naval Talati saw Baba at this time and informed Baba that Pleader was suffering internally from being away from him. Baba sent this message to Pleader, who was staying in another area of Bombay:
"I suffer every second of my life untold tortures; you have to share. It is now the last phase. When you see me again, you will see me in my true form!"
Pleader was given orders to leave on a begging tour, and then to stay in the Panchgani Cave.
In the afternoon Baba ordered Chanji not to allow anyone inside the house, as he wanted to rest.
Footnotes
- 1.Chanji had been sent to Navsari as soon as they landed in India, to make arrangements.