Baba resorted to a novel solution to the problem. In Tarabai's place, he made Gustadji stand next to Pankhraj. In the background, Kalemama chanted some mantras; "proxy bride" and groom shook hands, and garlanded and embraced each other; and after making obeisance to Baba the strange wedding was performed!
"I have wedded you to Tarabai," Baba remarked to Pankhraj. "You are now married to her. There is nothing more to be done by me. When you return home, you may get married to her in any fashion you like."1
Nana Kher of Nagpur had orders to fast every Sunday and feed a poor beggar. Availing himself of the chance, he had written asking what he should do if he fell sick.
Baba simply advised him, "In that case, do not fast and don't even think of feeding a beggar."
Pophali Pleader of Saoner had Baba's orders to send him regular reports of the work he was doing spreading Baba's messages. Pophali did much work among villagers at various places, and brought many people into Meher Baba's contact. But because Baba had gone away to live the New Life, Pophali had been unable to mail him any reports.
Pophali asked what was to be done, and Baba replied, "It is not necessary for you to send reports now. I know everything!"
Baba's statement so impressed Pophali that afterwards he never wrote another word to Baba again. And he was so firm in his conviction of Baba's omniscience that he did not even inform Baba about the tragic passing away of his handsome young son, who had just graduated from college and received his master's degree. Pophali simply declared to everyone: "Meher Baba knows everything. Nothing happens without his wish, so what is there to write?"
Two and a half years before in Madras, Baba had promised B. B. Kapse of Nagpur that one day he would visit his home. Kapse wondered how this promise would be fulfilled now that Baba was not meeting anyone while in the New Life.
He posed this question to Baba in Mahabaleshwar, and Baba answered, "I will surely keep my promise. Don't worry. Perhaps during the New Life I will come to your house to beg."
Footnotes
- 1.The couple was married in a civil ceremony six weeks later. After the couple's son, Anand, was born, Baba would humorously refer to him as "Little Gustadji."