Later, when I went for Maharaj's darshan, I found him in a changed mood. Gradually, Maharaj began speaking against Baba and the mandali. When I next neared the cage, Maharaj rebuked me and vehemently abused Baba and the mandali.
Before returning to Bombay, I went to him for the last time and he exploded in fury. He looked extremely angry and, while vituperating, sent this message for the mandali: "Let everyone go his own way. Merwan is not a Sat Purush [Perfect One] and I am no longer responsible for him in any way. He is a fake!"
After this outburst, I asked Maharaj, "How is your spiritual work connected with these pieces of bamboo [the cage]? I admit that your self-imposed imprisonment is for our sake; but we do not like to see you suffering and would rather see you out and free."
Maharaj then told me to break the cage bars. I immediately began struggling with the pieces of bamboo and broke one. This made Maharaj even more angry and he cursed at me. Maharaj forbade me to touch it again, and a carpenter was sent for to repair the damaged bar.
He then asked, "Why did you break my cage?"
I replied, "You yourself told me to do so."
Maharaj said, "All right. Now will you do what I want you to do?"
I replied, "Of course."
He then told me, "Bring that big stone over here and strike it on my head with all your might!" At this, I became frightened. Maharaj then hurled the choicest abuses at Baba and different ones of the mandali. During this, the carpenter was repairing the cage. He continued cursing until I told him I was leaving for Bombay.
Baba then asked the mandali, "Do you still want to stay with me to the end? You have heard what Maharaj has said. Even he has begun opposing me."
Except for Ghani, all said they would hold to the promise they had given and would not leave him in any circumstance.
Ghani said that he would think it over and answer later.
Baba warned the mandali: "Stay with me under all circumstances and don't be influenced by either what Maharaj or Babajan says. It is likely that both may denounce me in public. But the mandali should rest assured that both are my Masters and the greatest living spiritual personalities of this age! This proclamation of mine stands without exception at any time in the future."