While the program was under way at the university, Pankhraj returned from the telegraph office. In the middle of the singing, Baba asked if a telegram had been received and Pankhraj shook his head, "No."
The public program at the university was, by all external appearances, a huge success and Baba returned to Dhantoli.
“”After dinner at Deshmukh's, Baba instructed Pankhraj, "I am going to Saoner tomorrow morning with everyone. You should not accompany us; wait until you receive Vishnu's cable, then come by bus."
This set Pankhraj thinking: "What is so important about the telegram? It is the same every day — 'Everything all right.' So many telegrams come to Baba daily; why is he not as responsive to them? Are his mandali so superior? Why does he worry so? He must know everything already. Why is he so restless about a simple cable, if he is all-knowing?"
After Chanji's demise, Pankhraj had written to Baba asking him to make him his secretary, and perhaps this was a test for the would-be amanuensis.
“”Later, at nine at night, Baba again called Pankhraj, and with an anxious look he remarked, "There is definitely something wrong in Aurangabad."
Perturbed, Pankhraj blurted out, "I've done everything I can! There is nothing more I can do, Baba."
“”Baba looked pained and turning to Adi Sr. asked, "Had Chanji been alive, how would he have replied?"
Adi immediately answered, "Definitely not like Pankhraj! Chanji would have said: 'I will try once more, Baba.' "
“”Calling Pankhraj near him, Baba twisted his ear and said, "Now have you realized that you are not fit to fill Chanji's shoes?"
Pankhraj was sorry for his rude behavior, but at the same time was glad Baba had tweaked his ear, as he would do this with only his most intimate ones. However, that night his mind became restless again and he kept mulling over what had happened.
At midnight, Kaka awakened Pankhraj, saying Baba wanted to see him. Somewhat afraid, he entered Baba's room and found him in a cheerful mood.
“”Baba informed him, "Someone had handed the telegram to Kaka on his way to the bathroom, and he kept it in a drawer and forgot all about it. A little while ago he happened to open the drawer and found the cable. Now go and have a good rest. Come tomorrow to Saoner with the mandali and don't think about it anymore."
Pankhraj left the room, his heart full of love. This small incident had taught him a lesson for a lifetime.
