Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
1960Page 4,731 of 5,444
They had opted for the "bird in the hand" and were scheduled to arrive at the end of November. Baba had already postponed their visit so often before that, despite his physical discomfort, he did not want to do so again. Ben and Joseph left Bombay airport early in the morning on 28 November 1960 with Baba's brother Adi Jr. (who had joined them in London and was returning to visit India after almost five years). Meherjee had picked them up in his car and was to drive them to Ahmednagar via Poona. Baba sent Meherwan Jessawala from Meherazad with an urgent telephone message for Meherjee that Baba definitely wanted to see Ben and Joseph by four o'clock that afternoon.
The group was late arriving in Poona, due to a forgotten parcel at the airport, but they rushed to Meherazad, arriving at 5:15 P.M. Since the start of Baba's poor physical condition in the previous months, the mandali had not seen him smile. His smile was their lifeblood, and without it, everything seemed lifeless. But when Ben and Joseph entered the hall, Baba opened his arms to embrace them and a smile spread across his face.
Baba gestured, "I am very happy to see you."
They replied, "We, too, are very happy and most grateful for your granting us the privilege to be here with you during your seclusion period."
Baba remarked, "The mandali are in such a state that they seem to be always unhappy of late. But perhaps your visit will cheer them up."
Ben and Joseph brought in the presents they had brought: Ivy Duce had sent a folding serving cart and a small clock for Mani; Herman Alvarado had sent material for a new coat for Baba; Fred Frey's family had sent vitamins; Elizabeth Patterson had sent a microscope for Goher and also a typewriter.
After a little more conversation, Baba reached for Ben and Joseph's hands, stood up and walked with them up and down the hall. Then he let go and paced briskly back and forth alone (though with a limp). Those present were bursting with joy at seeing Baba so active after his near immobility under the heavy strain of his work.
Baba asked about his lovers in America and showed his concern for each one. He then bid them goodbye, indicated that he would be seeing them the next day, and went to his room.