Baba arrived from Pimpalgaon and ordered a grave dug on the other side of the road near the railway tracks (opposite the Mess Quarters). A coffin was brought and Masaji's body placed in it. Baba touched the body before the lid was nailed shut. The mandali shouldered the coffin and Baba too lent a hand. Before lowering the coffin into the ground, Baba again touched it and was the first to toss earth over it. The mandali each threw in a fistful of earth, and Baba placed flowers over the grave.1
From the outset, Baba's dear maternal uncle Rustom Masa had been with him. He had dedicated his life in Baba's service, and also surrendered his daughter (Naja) and son (Pendu) at Baba's feet. Masaji served as a cook for the mandali, a night watchman near Baba, a sweeper of the women's toilets in Toka, and in many other capacities. He had a temper — he could become upset in no time! — but he was also a practical-joker and very humorous. He was a strong, fierce man and followed Baba with all his heart until the end.
Masaji! Your renunciation, your service, your strength, and your love are worthy of a true disciple. Our salutations to you! You sleep to awaken eternally!
That same evening of the 19th, Nariman, Arnavaz and the 86 members of their wedding party from Bombay arrived in Ahmednagar. The next day, Baba went to see them and gave darshan.
On Thursday, 21 December 1944, Nariman, 31, and Arnavaz, 26, were married with grandeur at the Ahmednagar agyari (fire temple) at 10:00 A.M. That evening, Baba called the newly married couple to Pimpalgaon. Arnavaz's sister Nargis and their mother Bachamai accompanied them. He lovingly congratulated the couple, and then took Bachamai by the hand and showed her around the Pimpalgaon estate.
Baba asked, "How do you like it here?"
Bachamai replied, "Very much."
"After some time, I will keep you here forever," Baba remarked.
This surprised Arnavaz, as her mother had not been well, and had a family to look after besides. But two years later, when Bachamai breathed her last, Arnavaz understood Baba's promise.
Keeping Arnavaz and Nargis in Pimpalgaon, Baba sent Nariman back with Bachamai. On the 22nd, Baba left with the women to stay at Meherabad, where a unique event took place the next day.
Baba called all his lovers from Ahmednagar to Meherabad on Saturday, 23 December, and also all the guests who had attended Nariman and Arnavaz's wedding.
Footnotes
- 1.Masaji was the first of the men mandali to have his last remains buried at lower Meherabad.