How costly, how precious were those tears! They contained Wine from the blood of their hearts. But Age knew that these selfsame tears would one day catch fire and "cool" the atmosphere of Andhra by burning it to ashes!
Along the way, every station platform was packed with crowds of lovers and devotees. Acclamations of Baba's Jai thundered in all directions. Food, cold drinks, cigarettes and many other baskets of items were pushed into Baba's coach. At stations such as Rajahmundry, Kovvur, Tadepalligudem, Eluru and Vijayawada, it seemed as if people had gone "mad for God!" They wanted nothing more than a single, final glimpse of the Divine Beloved in human form. At all stations, standing in the doorway, Baba graciously waved to people, signifying that his blessing is always on Andhra Pradesh.
There were crowds up to Vijayawada, but thereafter, at other stations only individuals came to see Baba. Francis Brabazon was wonderstruck by the outpouring he had witnessed, and was himself intoxicated. In the train, Baba directed Francis to return to Australia and gave him certain other instructions, since there had not been time to converse with him during the programs.
The mandali were completely exhausted. While traveling with Baba, there was no question of ever resting. Again, as per his instructions, to ensure his privacy and prevent anyone entering his carriage, Bhau had to stand in front of Baba's door at every station; and as soon as the train started, he would run back and reboard his own coach. Eruch and Pendu, too, were quite drained. Eruch had been required to stand all the while near Baba to read his alphabet board, and Pendu had to see to traveling arrangements and other such matters.
On Saturday morning, 6 March 1954, Baba and the mandali arrived in Poona. Baba was driven to Bindra House by Adi Sr., and from there to Mahabaleshwar. Meherjee, Nariman and Francis proceeded to Bombay; Yeshwant Rao and Krishnaji to Sakori; Adi Sr., Chhagan and Dhake to Ahmednagar; Sidhu and Savak Kotwal to Meherabad; and Jalbhai and Sadashiv Patil to their homes in Poona. Aloba, Bhau, Eruch, Gustadji, Kishan Singh, Krishna and Shahastrabudhe returned to Mahabaleshwar, arriving the same day.
In Mahabaleshwar, the men mandali resided once again in outer cottages of the Aga Khan bungalow, and Baba with the women in the main house. Baba described his trip to Andhra to the women, and also to Don, Nilu and Kaikobad, who had stayed behind while Baba was away.
Kishan Singh was instructed to remain with the mandali until the end of March, and the men enjoyed his company until then.
