Maharaj added, "Your Zoroaster is here ... I am closely linked with Zoroastrians and in the future, they will flock to me in large numbers."
He told her many other things and then concluded, "Go back to your husband and family.1 Nagar is quite near. Whenever you feel it necessary you may come here. You are welcome here. You may come alone also. You may see me as often as you need. However, a continuous stay with me in this rustic area as you desire is not advisable considering your present circumstances. Do not worry about anything; my nazar [sight] is on you."
Gulmai accepted Upasni Maharaj's instructions and came out of the hut to find a group sitting under the pipal tree listening to Merwan Seth tell stories about Sai Baba, Babajan and how Lord Ram's birthday was grandly celebrated at Sakori. Gulmai sat down and listened. Meanwhile, preparations had been started for Upasni's evening arti. In the small temple near the Sadguru's hut, a devotee was adorning photographs of Sai Baba and Upasni Maharaj with flowers and incense; soon after, the whole group participated in the ceremony.
The Ahmednagar group left Sakori by tonga in the evening and came to the railway station at Chitali; Merwan Seth and Behramji accompanied them by bullock cart. As the baggage was being unloaded, all sat among a grove of trees. Merwan Seth pulled out a book on God and started to read. Calling Gulmai, he handed her the book and told her to read it at home. As they waited for the train to arrive, Merwan Seth distributed chapatis and chutney that Durgabai had prepared.
During the train ride, they heard a melodious voice from the adjoining compartment. Merwan Seth was singing a ghazal; he was fulfilling the group's earlier desire to hear him sing. At Belapur, he and Behramji got off. Merwan Seth told them that he and Behramji were going north to Nagpur to see Tajuddin Baba, who Merwan said was also a great Master.
Some time passed and Gulmai again visited Upasni Maharaj. After taking his darshan, she offered puja to him in a devout manner. Upasni inquired about her health and then said, "Since Sai Baba dropped his body, his devotees, both Muslim and Hindu, have been transferred to me. They expect my attention, so at times I have to beat them.
"Many Zoroastrians also come; those from Poona have a temple. Merwan is one of them; he is an Irani like you. He is always doing something or other here."
Footnotes
- 1.Nagar is a shortened form of Ahmednagar.