But after five minutes the rain ceased. Perhaps, feeling woeful at the Avatar's Declaration, the heavens had shed a few tears. Since 28 September, overpowered by the love of those attending the meeting, such teardrops had fallen continuously. Today these last drops were in pity for the lovers' imminent separation from their Beloved.
When Kutumba Sastri was reading out the Telugu version, Baba noticed Minoo Kharas dozing. Eruch was told to bring him, and as "punishment" Baba ordered him to stand on the platform until the proceedings were over. He was happy to do so because he found Baba's smiling eyes often on him.
Baba then distributed prasad to each of the Eastern and Western lovers. When the Westerners approached him, Baba held out his hand for each to kiss. When Pukar neared him, Baba put the prasad in his mouth and embraced him.
The distribution was over by 4:45 P.M. Stepping down from the stage, Baba saw Hiralal of Nauranga. He looked dazed, tears streaming down his cheeks as he muttered, "Baba, Baba, Baba!" Baba pressed his head to his chest, passed his hand over his face and consoled him.
It was not easy for Baba to make his way to the car, sit in it and leave for Meherazad. The Wine was shedding heart-wrenching tears and the atmosphere echoed Baba's Jai! Many surrounded his car, making it difficult for Eruch to drive. Slowly, the car made its way to the road. Baba extended his hand out the window, which his drunken lovers would kiss. This went on for almost a quarter of a mile, and the lovers stood transfixed on the road staring after Baba's car until it could no longer be seen.
Banaji Karani of Bombay had gone far ahead.1 Seeing Baba's car approach, he stood on the roadside. He had been crying bitterly and wanted to dash his head on the car. But Kishan Singh had seen him and managed to hold him back. Baba caressed Banaji's face, and, after comforting him, departed.
But further along the road Meherjee was seen. He too could not control his tears and had come this distance to compose himself.
Baba asked him, "Why are you crying? Is there some news from home?"
Meherjee shook his head, trying his best to hide his tears. Baba lovingly told him to pay attention to the work given him and not to worry.
Footnotes
- 1.Banaji Karani was Dina Talati's brother. He had been a student in Meher Ashram at Meherabad.