Finding Maharaj in an abusive mood, the residents of Sakori supposed the Sadguru was greatly annoyed with Meher Baba and displeased with his disciples. But how could they fathom the contrary ways of the Perfect Ones?
After a few minutes, Maharaj sent for Behramji, Gustadji and Sadashiv, one at a time, and gave them more of his "appreciation" by swearing at each of them. Maharaj complained in a bitter tone, "You good-for-nothing people are going from place to place, keeping me imprisoned in this cage! Have you no shame? Have you in any way obliged me by walking 200 miles?"
Then he added, "Go on doing as you are told by whoever is your 'somebody'! Now, return immediately to the place where you have been asked to return."
Before departing, Gustadji pleaded with Maharaj to see the other mandali, but Maharaj did not seem to like the idea. After Behramji, Gustadji and Sadashiv returned with Maharaj's negative reply, the other men decided to inquire through Yeshwant Rao whether they would be permitted to have Maharaj's darshan from a distance. They then broke their fast with tea served by Durgabai.
After an hour, Yeshwant Rao brought the reply that, without entering the compound of the hut, they could take Maharaj's darshan from the gates and then leave immediately. Following Maharaj's orders, they took his darshan standing by the gates of the compound. Maharaj had come out of his cage temporarily and was preoccupied with digging a pit!
Before they started to walk back to Bableshwar, the bullock cart was given to Yeshwant Rao by Baidul. In turn, Durgabai and Yeshwant Rao gave them prasad of bread, besan (chickpea flour dal), sweetmeats and fruit, which they ate after reaching Rahata. They arrived at Bableshwar in the evening; Baba had kept a dinner of bread and vegetables ready for them. After eating, they told Baba everything that had happened. Afterward, for two hours, Baba explained to them the meaning behind Maharaj's strange reception.
Age noted, poetically, "The earth was soaked with rain. But before the farmer could plant the seeds of his crop, it was necessary to have the earth plowed — for how could it produce grain unless first plowed? In its saturated condition, the earth is fertile and longs to produce a harvest; but the soil must be tilled before the seeds are sown.
"The hearts of the mandali were like the earth, watered and cared for by the Divine Farmer — Meher Baba.