He was overpowered by his love and was one of the first to recognize Merwanji's majesty.
Kaikhushroo Irani was the son of Sheriarji's elder brother, Khodadad. The family lived in Bombay, and from childhood, Kaikhushroo had played with Merwan and later greatly admired his cousin. Unfortunately, around January 1918, in the prime of his youth, Kaikhushroo suddenly died at the age of 32. Kaikhushroo had been a virtuous young man and his father's right hand in the family's business. Khodadad and his family were deeply stricken with grief.
The tragic news reached Bobo and Memo, who decided that Merwan should be sent to represent the family, and on their behalf participate in the funeral ceremony. He was to return after four days when the last rites were completed. Although Merwan had been on close terms with his cousin, he did not react as if Kaikhushroo's death was such a tragedy. Understanding the true nature of life and death, Merwan knew it was not possible for him to express sorrow or grief at the funeral. He was aware of the usual proceedings of wailing and weeping at funerals, and he knew that he would offend his uncle if he did not exhibit such emotions. He did not look forward to four days of lamentation and tried to escape this responsibility, but his parents insisted that he attend.
Merwan took a train to Bombay and went to the family's home, where he found the expected gloomy atmosphere of mourning. Despite his efforts, Merwan could not bring himself to express any sign of grief. Fortunately, a perfect stratagem arose: On seeing the white-gowned corpse displayed on the stone floor, Merwan relaxed his whole body, turned his eyes upwards, and fell on the floor as if in a swoon. Thinking that he had fainted, the family tried various remedies to bring him around. When he "revived" after some time, he was made to lie on a bed. Thus, he escaped attending the funeral.
When the mourners returned, Khodadad was worried about Merwan; he was as dear to his uncle as his own son had been. He was aware of Merwan's traumas and thought it best to send his favorite nephew back to Poona on the next train. Merwan, relieved to escape the depressing atmosphere, expressed his sympathy to all the other relatives before departing.
Meanwhile, owing to Jamshed's ill-health and Bombay's inclement weather, Jamshed had moved back to Poona where he was employed in the Military Accounts Department.1 He had also gotten married to a first cousin named Khorshed.2 Khorshed, nineteen, had preferred to marry Merwan and had had her eye on him for a long time. Merwan knew this and had therefore persuaded Jamshed to marry her. Jamshed did not want to marry the girl, but Merwan pressured him to agree to this arranged marriage.
Footnotes
- 1.Dr. Ghani's father worked in the same department, so it is likely Jamshed's position was obtained with his help.
- 2.Khorshed was the daughter of Shireenmai's brother Dinshaw Mama and his wife Rawat.