Fortunately for him, Baba was again to give darshan in the temple that morning. Baba came, bowed down to the gathering, and Mr. Kamath, an important local social worker, read out Baba's message. Swami Bhankareshwar from the Ramakrishna Ashram was also present, along with a mast named Kuttawala , who had inexplicably shown up and sat down directly in front of Baba.1 When the darshan commenced, Bhau stood in line and proceeded to have darshan. But, as before, he had no opportunity to converse with Baba, and continued to make inquiries about a possible interview.
At last he met Vibhuti, an early disciple who had spread Baba's message throughout India. Vibhuti informed Baba about Bhau's sincere desire, and Baba sent word that Bhau should see him in the afternoon at Verma's bungalow. Only then did Bhau discover where Baba was staying. At long last he was about to meet his heart's only Beloved face to face.
When Bhau went to Baba's residence that afternoon, qawaali music was being sung.
Baba asked him, "What do you do?"
"I am about to appear for the final examination for my master's degree," Bhau said.
"What do you want?"
"To live with you."
"Are you married or single?"
"Married."
"What is your wife's name?"
"Rama."
"Do you have any children?"
"A baby daughter named Sheela."
"Would you obey my instructions?"
"I have come with that preparedness."
Pankhraj was present and interjected, "Baba, he should know what you mean by obedience ..."
"He knows better than you!" Baba replied sharply. "He's an M.Sc. [master's of science degree]."
To Bhau, Baba continued, "If I tell you to go about naked begging, would you do it?"
"Yes."
"Leaving behind everything, would you be able to stay with me?"
"That is all I wish for."
"When is your examination?"
"In March."
"Take the exam, and then come to me wherever I am."
Bhau wanted to join Baba that very day. But he accepted Baba's wish and asked, "Could I attend the Andhra darshan?"
"If it doesn't interfere with your exam, you may come," Baba replied.
Bhau had Baba's order and firmly decided to join him permanently after his exams. His wife, Rama, 20, had taken Baba's darshan twice in Saoner, and had also come to Nagpur with their infant daughter Sheela. Because of her own firm conviction, she did not interfere in Bhau's decision.
During the Nagpur stay, Baba and the mandali's food was coming from Nana Kher's family's house and was daily being delivered to where Baba was staying.
Footnotes
- 1.Kuttawala means one who keeps and looks after dogs. This great mast-saint of Nagpur loved to care for stray dogs and cows.