"What connection did I have with her that I should have told you about her?"
"She is still unmarried because she loves you, isn't she? Therefore, her sanskaras are with you; and, by your staying with me, I will have to bear this burden. Had you informed me, this burden would not have been on me. All right, now don't worry about it."
Nilu had completely forgotten this old romance, and Baidul, himself, knew nothing of it. But, by sparking this quarrel between them, Baba brought the secret to light, and in so doing, freed Nilu from what was hidden deep inside his consciousness.
One day a mast-like man named Rambhau was brought to Satara from Poona by Baidul. He was not a full-fledged mast, but was somewhat spiritually intoxicated, having a "whiff" of the Path.1 Bhau was ordered to care for him — to serve him food, make his bed and generally see to all his requirements. In addition, Baba ordered Bhau to wash Rambhau's feet each day and bow down to him seven times.
On one occasion, Baba instructed Bhau, "Today, I will cut Rambhau's hair and bathe him, so have everything ready by 1:30 P.M." Baba warned him three or four times to keep the mast ready and added, "I will cut his hair at exactly 1:30. Be alert and see that Rambhau does not leave the bungalow then."
Rambhau would never go outside; he would always remain seated docilely in one place. Bhau made the necessary arrangements and kept Rambhau ready. But, while he was in the bathroom, Rambhau slipped out of his room and, for the first time, walked off.
Exactly at 1:30 P.M., Baba arrived at Rosewood from Grafton. Bhau left the bathroom and went to Rambhau's room to fetch him. He was stunned to find the room vacant. Bhau had left him alone for only five minutes, never thinking he would behave like this. Terribly distraught, Bhau searched throughout the bungalow compound but could not find him.
Baba sent for him and asked, "Didn't I tell you to bring the mast? What were you doing? I am waiting here for you ... Where is he?"
Bhau faltered, "The mast has gone somewhere."
Baba was furious and scolded Bhau, "I warned you repeatedly to be attentive, be very attentive. Still, you did not listen to me. How careless you are! How can I trust you? You have spoiled my work."
Footnotes
- 1.This mast-like state is called by Sufis hawa — literally meaning "a breeze" in the sense that a leaf is carried away by a breeze or a strong wind. Hawa is a divine breeze that carries a man away into another world.