He then confronted the dharamshala manager and his staff, but they pleaded innocence.
Rustom returned within a short time. Seeing this well-dressed man with a wealthy demeanor, who responded with quick, impatient answers, the detective found himself in an embarrassing position. Then Sorabji Desai arrived. He was immediately recognized as Navsari's renowned and highly respected writer. Sorabji spoke sharply to the officer, declaring, "These men are Meher Baba's disciples, and I have come for his darshan. Why are you harassing them?"
This made the detective apologize. Seeing a man like Sorabji coming for darshan convinced him that Meher Baba must be a great personality. He asked for forgiveness and requested Meher Baba's darshan, but the Master did not allow it. The policemen then left.
Baba was quite happy to meet Sorabji Desai, and it was clear to all the other mandali that this scholar was a close one in Baba's circle of followers. Sorabji wept with joy at seeing Meher Baba for the first time; he had been waiting a long time for this meeting. He invited Baba to visit his house, and Baba agreed.
On Friday, 6 July 1923, accompanied by Gustadji and Rustom, the Master went to Sorabji's home. The previous day, Baba had passed the house on his way to the dharamshala and Sorabji's young nieces, Bapai and Homai, had seen him but had been afraid — thinking him to be an Arab kidnapper. Baba had smiled at the girls, but this only made them more frightened. Bapai bravely told her little sister not to be afraid; if they said Meher Baba's name, nothing would happen and the evil man would go away!
Although every member of Sorabji's family had heard of Meher Baba and were inwardly devoted to him, no one had yet met him, so Bapai had not recognized him. When the Master came to their house, Bapai was amazed to see that the passing stranger was Meher Baba.
Age was amused and observed, "Baba is a notorious 'thief' who steals the hearts of all who love God."
Sorabji was a kind and gentle person who cared for his family very much. He had taken in his widowed sister, Baimai, who had been bedridden for several years due to a severe leg fracture and was never expected to walk again. But when she saw the Master, a miracle occurred. Suddenly Baimai rose to meet Meher Baba and, with tears in her eyes, stood for the first time in years!