Once Baba was sitting in Guruprasad with the mandali. Also present were a few lovers from the Poona Center. Bal Natu had delivered a speech on Baba at the center, which all were praising.
Baba commented, "Bal Natu is a gem, and see these two [pointing to Vishnu and Bhau], they are coal!"
Those who did nightwatch near Baba encountered many difficulties while doing their duty. The watchman had to press Baba's legs, which in the summer heat was exhausting. That too, at a constant pressure.
If one massaged Baba a bit harder, he would ask, "Are you angry with me?"
If done too softly, he would say, "Are you sleepy?"
When not attending to him, the watchman had to remain absolutely still like a statue. The slightest noise disturbed Baba's rest. It is hard to imagine that even the swallowing of saliva would be enough sound to disturb Baba. To keep watch by Baba's side at night was therefore among the hardest duties of all.
One time when Bhau was keeping watch near Baba, he was wearing a pair of thin pajamas. Baba was lying down snoring. He had reminded Bhau not to make any noise, and so Bhau was sitting quietly.
Suddenly, he saw that Baba's mosquito net was not closed properly, and if it was left as it was, mosquitoes might enter it and bite him. Slowly Bhau stood up, very careful not to make any noise, and he began taking a step toward Baba's bed.
Baba got up and asked, "Why did you move?"
Bhau said, "I did not make any noise, Baba."
He replied, "I heard the rustling of your pajamas."
Bhau had a look of amazement on his face.
Seeing his expression, Baba lost his temper.
He scolded Bhau harshly and motioned with a disgusted look, "Go back to your home. You can no longer stay with me. I don't want to see your face ever again."
Bhau pleaded, "Baba, trains are running nearby, buses, cars and trucks are running on the roads. They are making a lot of noise! Occasionally there are even loudspeakers blaring music outside. You do not complain about that noise, but you complain about the fluttering of my pajamas."