ChaptersChapter 17Page 2,544

Chapter 17: Meetings & Darshans

1946Page 2,544 of 5,444
Krishna met Baba in Rishikesh. When Krishna entered the room, everyone was ordered out.
Baba asked Krishna, "Are you married? Is your wife beautiful? Does she love you?"
"Baba, I was with her for only eight hours," Krishna said. "How do I know whether or not she loves me?"
Baba commented, "She is better than you! She loves you more than you know."
Krishna was sent back to Niranjanpur, with instructions not to tell anyone about the marriage.
Meanwhile, from the dak bungalow in Rishikesh, Baba wanted to proceed to Uttar Kashi for mast work. Baidul and Eruch spent their full time and energy preparing for the journey, arranging foodstuffs and coolies and drawing up an itinerary. But it was learned that because of breaches in the road, it would be virtually impossible to venture there at this time. The trip was therefore abandoned and, instead, Baba sent Baidul and Eruch to look for a bungalow nearby where they could stay.
The nonstop mast trip, without adequate rest or food, was straining everyone's health. Although Baba looked as fresh as ever, Kaka was tired, Eruch was overworked, Baidul's feet ached, and Adi Sr. never stopped grumbling about the poor quality of food. If a bungalow could be found, life would be somewhat more normal, since the masts could be brought there for Baba to contact.
They found a house between Hardwar and Jwalapur. Baba approved it, and moved there on Sunday, 18 August 1946. They soon discovered why the so-called "Garden House" had been vacant and so easily available: It was infested with pests! They cleaned the cobwebs off the walls, and had the whole house whitewashed. They also sprayed DDT pesticide in every room, but bedbugs took refuge in their cots, making sleep impossible. On the 19th and 20th, Kaka walked more than a quarter of a mile for food, Eruch plodded miles for marketing, Baidul kept up his tramps for masts and Adi labored over building a fire to prepare their tea and meals. As his inner work intensified, Baba began fasting at this time, eating only one meal a day at 6:00 P.M.
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