Baba paid particular attention to Kalemama, and later it seemed that he had come all the way to Ahmednagar just to see him. Despite being 78 years old, Kalemama was in good health and happy, but the meeting proved to be his last, as two months later, at Meherabad on 16 August 1954, he departed this life.1
After meeting the Meherabad residents, Baba went to Meherazad briefly to see Kaka and then left for Bombay, where he stayed at Ashiana. After contacting a few masts in Bombay, he returned to Satara on 2 July.
One of the things Baba had discussed in Meherabad, was for Savak Kotwal, who had been staying with his family at Meherabad, to join him at Satara. When Savak arrived in Satara, he again shared the nightwatch duties with Krishna. For many years, Savak's family had lived in the ashram in the Family Quarters near Arangaon. However, because of the lack of a good school in Ahmednagar, and Savak's children's need for a higher education, under Baba's direction Savak's wife Nergiz and their three children left Meherabad on 4 July, and began living in Bombay.
On 5 July 1954, a circular was issued stating that Baba would not have any letters read to him "sent by anyone" from 7 July to 30 September 1954. But lovers could send telegrams on matters of urgent importance. A telegram was received on 8 July that Gabriel Pascal had died in New York two days before at the age of 60.
Baba cabled back: "Pascal has come to me."
Although Pascal never did realize his vision of making a film about Baba, the "Phoenix" remained steadfast in his love until the end.
Saturday, 10 July 1954, was Silence Day, and all Baba's lovers had been informed through a circular to fast and observe complete silence from 6:00 P.M. on the 10th until 6:00 P.M. on the 11th, repeating inwardly any name of God they chose. They were permitted to have tea or coffee thrice during this 24-hour period, and as much water as they liked.
Baba decided to fast for seven days from 10 July, and chose seven others to fast with him: Eruch, Pendu, Baidul, Sadashiv Patil, Keshav Nigam, Nana Kher and Dr. Kanakadandi Suryanarayana. Eruch, Pendu and Baidul were with Baba in Satara, and the other four men were informed by letter. Subsequently, Baba broke his fast on the 13th, and ordered the others to stop also.
Footnotes
- 1.Kalemama's brother Annasaheb Kale was also a longtime resident of Meherabad. After Kalemama died, Annasaheb went to live with his family at Dhulia and passed away a few years later.