Naja was around nine years old and Aspandiar was fourteen.
Both could not stop crying, and Merwanji consoled them too, saying, "Cousins, why are you crying? Am I not here to look after you? Did you want your mother to suffer more? It is much better that she has passed away. Now she is peaceful, enjoying rest in heaven. Isn't this better? She is happy, I promise you."
The children were greatly comforted, and Merwanji held them tenderly.
After Pila Masi's death, Masaji moved from Poona to Ahmednagar, and his children went to live with their aunt Dowla Masi.
During October 1917, Merwanji was staying with Upasni Maharaj at Sakori. One night Upasni sent Merwanji to Shirdi to see Gustadji, who was then living under Sai Baba's guidance and had been fasting for months. Merwanji arrived about eleven at night and found Gustadji, who was astonished to learn that Merwanji had come just to see him. After Merwanji inquired about his health (the prolonged fasting had reduced him almost to a skeleton), Gustadji started talking about Sai Baba.1 Merwanji was about to leave when Gustadji suggested he come with him for Sai Baba's darshan before departing.
Merwanji replied, "I have no time! I must leave for Poona."
His leaving without meeting Sai Baba further convinced Gustadji that Merwanji had come to Shirdi for the sole purpose of befriending him.
On 1 February 1918, a son named Dinshaw was born to Merwanji's friends Khodu and Naja.
The next day Merwanji visited them in the hospital and casually remarked, "My first disciple has been born."
They did not understand what he meant and took it as a joke, as no yet thought of Merwan as a Spiritual Master.
But this was about to change. Since Merwanji was seen regularly seated next to Babajan, her own followers began to inquire about him. She did not answer directly, but she often repeated to them, "Merwan is my son, my beloved son. He is why I am here in Poona ... One day my son will shake the whole world. You have no idea of his greatness." Gradually, Babajan's followers started to look upon Merwanji with respect and reverence.
One of Babajan's devotees was Babu Rao Genuba Ubale, eighteen. Being the owner of a bicycle shop, he was known as Babu Cyclewalla . Babu heard Babajan speak of Merwanji often and was so taken by Babajan's statements that he sought Merwanji out and began spending time in his company.
Footnotes
- 1.Gustadji had been present in Shirdi in December 1915 when Merwanji had first met Sai Baba, and he heard Sai Baba utter "Parvardigar!" when Merwanji prostrated before him.