The mandali were ready to camp there, but finding Kaira
so near, they mustered their last resources, took up their loads and began
walking. Behramji again reminded Baba about disposing of the fez caps, and he
said they should throw them away while crossing the river; all were happy to be
rid of the sweaty headgear.
After walking a mile, they arrived in the town, but to
the men's consternation, Baba was not in a mood to stop. He wandered about
the market and at last stopped outside a restaurant. Only Baba drank tea while
the mandali squatted nearby. A crowd gathered around them, fascinated to find
such strange pilgrims. Some pitied them, and some took them to be a band of
beggars and suggested the best spots for plying their trade. Some bombarded them
with questions; however, when no replies were forthcoming, they jeered at them. Due to their extreme fatigue and thirst, the men longed only for some rest and a
drink of cool water; they were too tired to pay any attention to the
people's questions.
Baba finished his tea and ordered that they start walking
again. After some distance, he allowed the men to rest under the shade of a tree
by the Collector's bungalow.1 They put down their packs with a sigh of relief and
stretched out under the branches. There was a well in the compound but the place
proved ill chosen, for the ground was full of rocks and the shade insufficient
to shield them from the blazing sun. Despite the uncomfortable setting, all laid
down. They were completely worn out, especially the stronger members whose loads
were the heaviest. Vajifdar, who was the strongest, was unable to walk due to
blisters on his feet; Masaji and Baidul lay on their stomachs breathing heavily;
Pendu and Ramjoo were seething from the heat, and Ramjoo actually began weeping
out of longing to quench his thirst. God is all-merciful, but the path to God is
merciless. Now the mandali were to realize the Master's compassion and find
him intervening on behalf of God.
Slamson was ordered to go to the market and bring ingredients
for Gustadji to prepare lunch. They had rice and dal around noon, but ate with
difficulty as their thirst was still tremendous. Baba did not allow them to take
more than one and a half glassfuls of water during the meal.
Footnotes
- 1.A Collector is a high public official similar to a mayor or county commissioner.