He forbade Kaikobad to eat it. By this time, the rest of the rice was cooked and ready. Baba served it to Kaikobad and then directed Bhau and Aloba to eat the remainder of the uncooked rice.
At times, Baba would purposely create strife among the mandali. In this way, feelings remaining hidden would surface and be dealt with.
Once, winking at Baidul, Baba asked him in front of Nilu, "What was that you were telling me the other day about Nilu? When he was in college, who had beaten him with a shoe?"
Baidul took the hint and replied, "At college, Nilu was in love with a beautiful girl, and when her father came to know of it, he beat the hell out of him with a shoe right in the middle of the market!"
Nilu grew livid with anger. "Why do you believe these lies from this jungli [ignorant] Irani?" he asked Baba. "When I was in college, where was he?"
"I was with you!" Baidul answered.
Nilu threatened, "If you tell another lie, I will beat you with a shoe!"
Baba gestured to them to calm down and inquired what the real story was about the girl. Nilu replied, "It may be something, but why does this illiterate Irani butt his nose into it?"
"If I am lying, then why don't you speak the truth?" Baidul said.
"Who are you to tell me?"
"Who are you to hide it?"
Nilu said, "Baba, tell this idiot to leave this instant — else I won't let him leave without a thrashing."
Baba pointed out, "Baidul is much stronger than you. He might beat you up."
"But why does he lie about me?"
"He must have heard something ... I too feel there must be something to it."
Baidul said, "I will prove it to you, Baba. Then you will believe me."
"What proof can you bring?" Nilu demanded. "I will bring the girl herself and let her tell you."
Baba raised an eyebrow, gesturing, "So, there was a girl you were after."
"I was not after her, Baba. I never touched her! But she did love me and is still unmarried to this day because of me."
"Then why haven't you ever told me of this before? Why did you hide it from me all these years? It is good that Baidul opened my eyes; otherwise, I would never have known."