ChaptersChapter 4Page 456

Chapter 4: Journeying

1923Page 456 of 5,444
They arrived at Asangaon at 8:00 P.M. and they were exhausted, although they had walked only eight miles in four hours. They went to the Asangaon railway station, where they camped on the platform. No one could sleep due to the noisy commotion of the crowded station.
Leaving Asangaon on the morning of 23 October, they reached Shahapur within half an hour. As they were tired from no sleep the previous night, no one was in a good mood. Those who were unable to keep pace with Baba's speed left with Gustadji at 2:30 P.M. for Khardi, which was ten miles away. Baba, with the remaining mandali, left Shahapur at 3:35 P.M. Although they had started an hour later, they soon caught up with Gustadji's slower group at the ninth milestone. Baba's group proceeded, leaving those with Gustadji behind, and reached Khardi at 6:40 P.M. They again camped on the train station platform and, soon after dinner, went to sleep early.
On the 24th of October, Baba and the group of men left Khardi at 4:00 A.M. for Kasara. At Khardi the hilly ascent of the ghats began, and some of the men suffered muscle cramps, sore feet and blisters. The bullock cart had to be pushed from behind, as it was difficult for the animal to climb the steep hills. Gradually, each man became extremely irritable during this exhausting walk. Reaching Kasara worn-out, they stayed at a dharamshala where they immediately sought rest.
Gustadji's condition was by far the worst: besides being tired from the strain of the day's journey, his health had not been good and he had large blisters on his feet. He was the last to arrive at the dharamshala. As soon as Gustadji set foot inside, Baba directed Adi to ask him when he was going to cook Baba's dal and rice, as it was getting late. Gustadji was on the point of collapsing, and this simple question was irksome. He lost his temper, which displeased Baba. Upset, Baba began abusing everyone for their various complaints, and Gustadji in particular for his moaning. The situation grew so unpleasant that Gustadji, unable to control his anger, left for the railway station, declaring that he was leaving Baba forever and never wanted to see him again! Soon after, Baba became his genial self again and sent Behramji to bring Gustadji back. When Gustadji returned to the dharamshala, it did not take Baba long to pacify him and return matters to normal.
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