After this incident, Baily remembered Babajan's forewarning, "You will have to wait for five years ... He tells me two years ... No, I will not allow two years! So, come after a year and a half." He then understood what she had meant. He had been sentenced to two years in prison, but the general had reduced it to a year and a half. Similarly, he remembered that Merwan had foretold that something terrible would happen if he left for Aden and had wanted his orders changed.
Gradually, Baily learned of his old friend's spiritual attainment, although he erroneously attributed it to Merwan's deep religious beliefs and daily prayers from childhood. Shortly thereafter, Baily was to discover how wrong his conceptions were.
Later in 1919, Merwan Seth happened to visit Bombay. At this time, another young Persian named Khodadad Farhad Irani was living there. Khodadad had a burning ambition to become an actor, and obsessed with this idea, he went from one theater and film production company to another for auditions, but no one chose him for a part. He became disappointed and depressed, finally contemplating suicide. While Khodadad's inner turmoil was occurring, Merwan Seth was walking through the city when he came across the dejected young man sitting on the sidewalk.
Seeing him, Merwan Seth stopped and inquired, "Who are you? Why do you look so sad? You look as if you haven't a hope in the world!"
Khodadad retorted, "What business is it of yours, sir? Who are you, anyway?"
Merwan Seth smiled and said, "I am the owner of a film company in Poona and I am here in Bombay to interview actors. Would you happen to know of anyone who would like to work in a film company?"
The young man couldn't believe his ears and excitedly said, "Yes, sir. I've been looking for such a job myself for the past three months!"
Merwan Seth said, "Fine, I will hire you. Can you come with me now to Poona?"
Khodadad agreed immediately.
Merwan Seth took Khodadad to Poona, but when they arrived, he said, "I want you to work in my toddyshop. Your work here is just temporary, of course. My film company is in the final stages of formation, and as soon as it starts up, I promise you will work there."
Khodadad agreed.
However, by being constantly in the spiritually intoxicating atmosphere of Kasba Peth, the young man soon forgot about his previous acting ambition and became totally dedicated to Merwan Seth's activities.