ChaptersChapter 18Page 2,647

Chapter 18: Final Mast Work: Prelude To Thunder

1948Page 2,647 of 5,444
Baba was also going back and forth to Meherabad and Pimpalgaon regularly to inspect the building work being done there.
Elizabeth had to return to America because of her failure to get a visa extension, and she left on 19 May and flew from Bombay the following day. Meheru's sister Naggu had come for her holidays and was with the women at Pop's. Elizabeth's dog, Foundy, was old and blind by then, and in poor health. Knowing that Naggu loved animals, Elizabeth asked her to take care of Foundy in her absence.
While Elizabeth was away, Foundy's health deteriorated further. One day Naggu mentioned to Baba that Foundy had become disinterested in eating. As Meheru narrated, "That morning, Baba came to the bedroom where Foundy was tied to see how he was. Baba petted him and offered him milk, which Foundy tried to take. Then, just as Baba was stepping out of the room, Foundy breathed his last. Foundy was so fortunate to have had this last touch from Baba."
As Baba had promised Elizabeth six months earlier, Foundy had indeed outlived Mahatma Gandhi. Baba instructed that Foundy be buried on Meherabad Hill near Baba's other pets.
During this period, Rustom Kaka Hathidaru's wife Silla (nicknamed Kaku ) had been ill for six months. When she received the Master's May circular, she resolved to fast for one month. The doctor was against her doing so, but she was determined. Baba unexpectedly visited her one day and gave Rustom instructions about her treatment. Rustom said, "Silla wants to fast for a month."
"Would she be able to?" Baba inquired.
"Yes, Baba, I will," she bravely replied.
"You will die," Baba warned.
"If I die by following your order, it would be my good fortune," Silla stated.
Smiling, Baba left her without saying anything more. Silla fasted and thereafter recovered her health.
Baba's brother Beheram came to see Baba on 30 May with his daughter Gulnar. He discussed with Baba the transfer of Baba House out of Baba's name and into the names of Beheram and Jalbhai.
Baba and the women were driven to Meherabad on Tuesday, 1 June 1948. Baba got out at lower Meherabad and the women were driven up the hill. The opening ceremony for the new hall at lower Meherabad took place by Baba taking his seat inside and the mandali performing arti before him. Baba then went up the hill.
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