On 16 August 1923, after staying in Bombay for over a month, Baba went to Lonavla by train accompanied by Behramji, Barsoap, Gustadji, Adi and Rustom. Ramjoo and Ghani, whose families lived in Lonavla, arranged for their stay in Mr. Madni's bungalow, and Abdul Tayab loaned his car for Baba's use. The seven days in Lonavla were relaxing and joyful. The Master gave discourses, played cards and listened to phonograph records with the mandali. They hiked to the Khandala Waterfalls, Walvan Lake, and the lake at Bhushi. Vajifdar and Sadashiv Patil joined them, and the cool, pleasant monsoon weather and Baba's good humor had the mandali in high spirits. Baba also visited Ghani's and Ramjoo's homes on 21 August, and their families were graced by having his darshan.1
On Wednesday, 22 August, Baba proceeded to Poona by car at 5:00 P.M., taking all his belongings and instructing Ghani and Ramjoo to write a letter to Mr. Madni saying his bungalow was now vacant. However, Ramjoo was informed the next day that Baba had come back to the bungalow with the mandali. Ramjoo hurried over to the house, concerned about arrangements for their food.
When Baba saw Ramjoo, he said angrily, "Sadashiv was so inattentive to me and the others that I came back here last night at midnight. Yet soon I must return to Poona so as not to displease Sadashiv and those at Kasba Peth."
After a long discussion, it was decided by Baba that they should instead stay in Abdulla Jaffer's house in the Camp area of Poona, and Sadashiv should be told to arrange for the mandali's food. During this time, Baba would still drink only coffee and perhaps occasionally eat a small amount of vegetables. Ramjoo immediately left for Poona to make all the necessary arrangements. Abdulla Jaffer (Ramjoo's brother-in-law) willingly put his bungalow at Baba's disposal. At first Sadashiv agreed to provide food for the group, but later expressed his inability to do so. He was upset at Baba's staying at Abdulla's house, because he wanted the Master to stay with him.
Baba returned to Abdulla's that evening. The 23rd of August was the ninth day of Moharrum and Baba watched the Tazia procession from Dr. Mody's dispensary, where Abdulla had arranged seats for them.2 Baba had especially invited Daulatmai, her daughter Mehera, Soonamasi and Khorshed to join him in Poona to see the parade.
Footnotes
- 1.Ghani's family grew to four daughters and one son, and Ramjoo and his wife eventually had six sons and two daughters.
- 2.Moharrum is the Islamic holy day in honor of the martyrdom of Muhammad's grandson Hussain.