As described earlier, one of Baba's methods of working was of keeping those mandali living with him at loggerheads. For example, on hints from Baba, Kaka would at times torment Aloba so much that even to be in Kaka's presence felt like an anathema to Aloba, so gradually Aloba grew despondent.
Once in the hall, Eruch was reading a letter to Baba in English.
When he finished, Baba asked Kaka, "Did you understand it?"
Kaka shook his head no.
Baba remarked, "You are illiterate; how could you understand English?"
Then he indicated to Aloba, "From today, teach this jungli English!"
Aloba was elated and went after Kaka with such a vengeance that poor Kaka was really in trouble. Aloba would make him write one word a dozen times, and according to Baba's behest, Kaka would do it silently without a word of protest, and actually try to remember it. If, unfortunately, Kaka forgot the word, Aloba would have him repeat it again and again and write it over many times. Thus, this "play" went on for several days until Baba stopped it.
Once at Guruprasad in front of Bhau, Baba told Aloba that Bhau had said something against him. Bhau said, "No, Baba, I didn't say that."
Baba looked at him disgustedly and commented, "You are like an earthen pot that hasn't been fired. If you thump it, it will break, not ring out tong-tong ."
This meant Bhau was still quite raw and did not understand how Baba wanted him to act.
For every mandali member, man or woman, life with Baba was like walking on the edge of a sword. Words cannot describe the life one had to lead. It was Baba's love that enabled the mandali to stay with him, and to pass through different tests and severe situations, all of which, of course, he purposely created for his work.
After years of serving Baba, Eruch was given a two-week holiday at Bindra House on 18 January 1960. During his absence, Feram came to Meherazad for two weeks, and Bal Natu came on the 15th for ten days. Pukar arrived the next day, according to Baba's orders, and also Kumar and Meherjee. Dhake was called to stay at Meherazad for a week from the 20th, and Nariman and Jim Mistry arrived for a week's stay three days later. Sheroo had been staying at Meherazad, but he returned to Poona on the 16th. Noshir Siganporia had been staying at Meherabad with his family, but they too left at this time.