Eruch could not reveal Baba's name. "By the guidance of God, my elder brother has sent me. Oblige us by accepting the money." Eruch then touched the man's feet according to Baba's instructions, and handed him the money.
The man wept and disclosed, "Brother, had you not come today, I would not have been alive tomorrow! I had decided to commit suicide. How long am I to continue carrying the load of these marriageable girls when I am up to my neck in debt? You can see for yourself our condition. We badly need clothes and other goods. But God is the Ocean of mercy! It is for our own good that He has kept us this way."
Folding his hands to the devout man, Eruch left. Such was Beloved Baba's play! He is the Protector of everyone at every moment, and nothing is hidden from him!
A cable was received on 25 December 1943 saying that Walter Mertens had died in Switzerland. Baba sent a loving message of consolation to Hedi. Hedi had been at her husband's bedside constantly during his final days. But Walter passed away during the one minute when she had momentarily left the room. Hedi later asked Baba why he had to die just then.
Baba consoled her, "It was the only time he could go. Your love was keeping him back."
Pappa Jessawala, Eruch and Sadashiv Patil arranged a small darshan function in Poona in honor of Mehera's birthday, and Sarosh drove Baba there on the 30th of December. Mehera, Mani, Margaret, Meheru and Walu accompanied him and were accommodated at Bindra House. Pappa and Eruch had to move into the garage, as they were not to see the women.
Baba gave darshan to his close lovers on Friday, 31 December 1943, at the Ahilya Ashram School hall opposite Bindra House. Many devotees came from Kasba Peth, as well as from Ahmednagar, Sholapur, Bombay and Nasik. There was singing from 9:00 A.M. until noon, and Baba gave darshan again in the afternoon from 3:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Guests were instructed not to touch his feet, but only to fold their hands to him and receive prasad of a large fresh fig.
The day after the program, Baba ordered Pappa to keep watch near the Bindra House gate, and not permit anyone to enter. So, Pappa took up his post and stood at the gate.