The Master consented.
Afterwards, Baba called the Hindu mandali and told them, "One member from each of your families will die from the plague currently ravaging Poona. Whosoever wishes to go home may leave immediately; and after today, whatever the circumstances, none of you should think of going home." Except for Arjun, who insisted on returning, all agreed to remain in Bombay.
After this matter with the Hindu mandali was settled, Baba confronted Gustadji about his eating habits: "Why aren't you eating the quantity of food I tell you? Why do you continue to disobey me? For God's sake, eat your food as soon as you feel hungry, irrespective of the time. Don't complain afterward that I did not tell you!"
Gustadji replied, "That is precisely what I am doing! I create hunger by aimlessly moving about here and there in the building. The one cupful of cow's ghee you've told me to have at ten o'clock kills my appetite. I do not like to eat custard or pudding at any odd time."
Baba scolded him, "Don't go on repeating the same thing again and again. This is what upsets me. You should concern yourself with doing what I tell you. But whenever I tell you anything, you do not pay attention to it and, because of this, you make mistakes."
Gustadji was irritated. "You know full well that I am doing my best to please you," he replied. "At times I eat less, at times more, depending on the vagaries of my stomach. I can't understand why you force me to eat more when I have no desire to do so! If I get ill, who will manage the petty and trifling affairs here, as I do from morning to night?"
Baba became more annoyed by his reply. "These words clearly show that your understanding is very limited. If I tell you to do a certain thing and am ignorant of its implications and consequences then I am not a Sadguru! And no earthly good can come out of your staying with me."
Gustadji replied, "I have come to you, according to Maharaj's instructions, to follow your orders and listen to you in each and every thing. That is why I am staying with you!"
Baba did not like this reply either and upbraided him, "That is exactly what you are not doing while remaining with me! On the contrary, you want me to act according to your wish.