Baba and the women's car departed for Satara at 3:00 P.M., and Jalbhai accompanied them. They arrived in the evening and stayed at the dak bungalow. After dropping off their luggage, Adi Sr. returned to Ahmednagar.
As Age noted, "Inwardly, Baba's preparations for starting out on the New Life had begun; but none had the least idea of it!"
From Satara, Baba wished to go to Panchgani. Dr. Alu Khambatta had been in Baba's contact since 1935. She had invited him to bring the women to a guest house in a bungalow called Silver Oaks , which she intended to open, as Baba had ordered her not to practice medicine.1 She was overjoyed when Arnavaz informed her about Baba's coming, and immediately left for Panchgani to clean the house for Baba's use. Nargis Dadachanji and Dina Talati went with her to help, and preparations were speedily taken in hand.
Baba had instructed Alu that when he came to Panchgani, she alone was to remain in the bungalow. Nargis and Dina were to return to Bombay on completion of their work. Nargis had been with Baba in the ashram on Meherabad Hill, and Dina had been in his contact since the very early days. Although they longed to see Baba, to carry out his pleasure was their life's duty, and they did not wish to stay in Panchgani against his wish.
On 9 August, as the three women were getting everything ready, Baba suddenly came to Panchgani to see the bungalow with the women mandali. Hearing that Baba had come, Nargis and Dina quickly hid in the bathroom.
Baba met Alu and then inquired, "Who is helping to clean up the place?"
Alu told him and he asked, "But where are they?"
"They're hiding in the bathroom," she admitted.
Baba had a good laugh, and calling Nargis and Dina, stated, "I am very pleased with you. Now both of you start for Bombay this moment."
When they were about to leave, he relented, conveying, "Stay on here, finish cleaning, and when we return tomorrow have breakfast with us, and then leave. But finish up the cleaning soon."
Then looking at their expressions, Baba gestured, "Go on! Why are you staring at me? Didn't you hear what I said? Come on now and start the work. Don't go off and hide in the bathroom!"
Baba left for Satara, and Nargis and Dina cleaned the house from top to bottom. It was an old bungalow and had been uninhabited for many days.
Footnotes
- 1.Silver Oaks is no longer standing, but it was located opposite Kimmins High School.