Baba remarked, "The fate of the Nizam would have been better had he adopted either of three courses of action: Join Pakistan; fight to the bitter end with India; or compromise with India at the outset."
Baidul was sent to Gujarat to look for new masts, with whom Baba could work in November. He returned and reported to Baba on 1 October.
Feram had been typing Norina's articles at Khushru Quarters, while at Meherazad Mani was busy typing some of Don's material. Dhake was called to stay at Meherazad for two days on 2 October to type Ghani's manuscript, God Speaks.
Baba's uncle Rustom Mama died during this period. Just before he passed away, he told his wife Piroja, "I always believed that Merwan was God, but now I am even more convinced."
Piroja Mami came to Meherazad for Baba's darshan. After seeing her briefly, Baba retired to his room. Approaching her niece Mani, Mami inquired where Baba had gone. "He has gone to his room," Mani replied. "He won't come now." Mami looked disappointed and Mani asked, "Do you want to tell Baba something?"
"Yes, I have come for that reason," Mami replied.
"Tell me and I will convey it to Baba."
Mami said, "I want that which Baba gives to all."
Mani replied, "Baba gives his love to all, which he has already given you."
"Not love — I want murti [an idol]!"
Mani began chuckling, because she knew that what Mami meant was mukti — liberation from birth and death. She understood and assured her, "Don't you worry, Mami; I will tell Baba to give you murti ." Mami left happily, and when Mani related the conversation to Baba the next day, he was much amused.1
In the evenings Baba would listen to jokes from Norina, Elizabeth, Delia and Jean. They had a joke book from which they would recite select pieces to Baba. Mani would also read detective stories to him in the afternoons or evenings. Baba liked mysteries, in particular the Nero Wolfe series by Rex Stout. Jean's mind was troubled because Baba was not explaining anything "spiritual" to them as he had done in Nasik.
But one day Baba conveyed to her, "Every word of mine has spiritual significance which provides enough food for thought."
Elizabeth had brought two cars from America the previous year, and these were kept at Meherazad in a garage.2 Baba gave Rano and Meheru the duty of washing the cars daily.
Footnotes
- 1.Piroja Mami continued to live in Bombay for many years and had Baba's darshan there in the 1950s.
- 2.This garage at Meherazad was later renovated and became known as mandali hall.