He politely changed the subject and took them to Upasni's hut, where they sat under the pipal tree together.
Upasni called each person individually. Gulmai's turn was last. As she approached the door, conflicting emotions overwhelmed her; she wondered how to unburden herself to the Sadguru. Merwan Seth, who was standing near the entrance, urged her to go inside and reveal unreservedly whatever she had in her heart and mind. Gulmai, after gaining her composure, wondered how Merwan Seth had known what was going on inside her. She entered Upasni's hut but was at a loss as to what to say. As soon as she started to speak, tears came.
Gulmai had other miseries besides her unhappy home and alienation from the Zoroastrian community due to her intense interest in spirituality. She had developed pustules all over her body and was afraid it indicated some disease. She had thought of telling Maharaj about it but was embarrassed. However, when he pointedly looked at her from head to foot, she told him of her ailment. Maharaj assured her that it was nothing serious and would disappear. Then Upasni called Durgabai and said, "This lady is miserable. She is unhappy at home and has an affliction because of her unhappiness. Explain to her that I know everything, so there is no need to tell me anything."
Gulmai fell at Upasni Maharaj's feet and begged him to accept the surrender of her body, mind, progeny and possessions. She burst into tears again as she narrated how difficult her life had been. Finally, she beseeched Upasni to allow her to stay with him permanently at Sakori.
Upasni Maharaj explained that she could not do so:
Those without worldly attachments pursue puja and sadhanas [forms of worship and spiritual disciplines]. It is not new to them; it is thus easy. But to be in samsar [the world] and belong predominantly to God and be totally devoted to Him is the highest form of worship.
To suffer between the urge of God and the drag of life, to balance longing for God with the observance of household duties, to remain untouched like oil in a sea of activities — is much more helpful for attaining the highest spiritual aim.
You and I have past connections. You are deeply connected with me spiritually through previous births. I have had my nazar on you for a long time. Finally you have come.