All gathered at the Jhopdi early that morning and sang bhajans. Munshiji and Sayyed Saheb had come from Bombay. After enjoying the sweet prasad of rawa prepared by Masaji, Baba went to his parents' home, which was decorated with traditional chalk designs on the floor and festooned with fresh flowers over every doorway. After taking a bath and wearing the new clothes his mother had bought, Baba was made to stand on a flat wooden stool according to the Zoroastrian tradition. Memo applied kumkum (red powder) and rice to his forehead, recited a prayer, and garlanded him.
Some of the visitors suggested the new mukmal (satin cap) Memo had bought for the occasion be given to Baba also, but knowing her son, Memo commented that Baba would simply give it away. She had paid three rupees for it besides! The other women insisted, so Memo opened the cupboard and removed the new cap. She was shocked to see three silver rupee coins inside it. She knew it was Merog who was responsible for their appearance (though Baba professed his ignorance about the incident). From then on, Memo knew in her heart that her son had become someone spiritually advanced.
When Memo narrated this incident to Sheriarji, he remarked, "At least now you realize who is born through you."
A Brahmin named Bapu Tambat lived in Kasba Peth and was an extremely innocent fellow.1 He gradually became devoted to Baba and would occasionally cook for him. Bapu did not know English and Baba wanted to teach him the language, so he sang these verses from an English song with Bapu:
What's your name? Up and down! Where do you live? London town!
Baba was amused to hear Bapu sing this song and often asked him to repeat the lines again and again.
Baba had ordered Bapu not to have sex with his wife. One night when his wife began to be particularly affectionate, he told her to wait while he went to ask Meher Baba's permission. Bapu walked the two miles from his home in Kasba Peth to the hut. Baba was pleased with Bapu's earnestness and gave his consent. Bapu's simplicity and innocence greatly amused the Master.
As related, Freiny Masi was extremely devoted to Babajan and used to visit her daily. After her sister Daulatmai came into Baba's contact, Freiny also became profoundly devoted to the Master.
Footnotes
- 1.Bapu Tambat was usually called Bapu Brahmin and occasionally Bapu Ghante (bells) because apparently he was employed in the making of brass bells.