Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
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"Until 5:30 P.M.," Harry replied. Baba was pleased and allowed him to visit Guruprasad every afternoon until 31 May.
"Harry, what made you come?" Baba asked him.
"God tempted me with the bait of one hour's sahavas."
"Had you sent a telegram to me for permission, you anticipated a 'No' from me. So to avoid that reply, you decided to come directly to Poona. Anyway, I am very happy to have you here. And do you know, Harry, how proud your Pop is because of your coming here, just for one hour of sahavas? You are a great lad!"
Instead of putting the candy prasad in his hand, as he would do with everyone else, Baba unwrapped the candy and placed it in Kenmore's mouth.
Two others from the West also had the opportunity of seeing Baba that day. They were Francis and Olla Goldney, who were on their way home to the Faeroe Islands from Japan, where they had attended a conference.
The same day, Pukar, Bal Natu and a few others from Hamirpur put on a delightful performance, the object of which was to invite Baba to Nauranga Village to unveil his own life-size marble statue there. Briefly, the skit depicted the entire district of Hamirpur in the grip of a strange fever. A doctor diagnoses the epidemic as "Baba-fever" and tells people to write to Meher Baba imploring him to visit the area, which would be "the only remedy." People begin writing, but one patient, Hiralal, becomes seriously ill. He is about to breathe his last when a telegram comes stating: "Baba definitely coming to visit Hamirpur District." These words act as an elixir for the patient and he becomes completely well, stands erect and shouts "Jai Baba!" repeatedly.
There was loud applause in the hall when Hiralal walked straight to Baba to confirm the contents of the telegram. A discussion ensued with lovers from various centers in India expressing their ardent desire to have Baba pay a visit to their town. Baba patiently heard everyone's request. One man said, "Baba, you are now in seclusion, but the present darshan and sahavas programs, in a way, do not impede or disturb you in your seclusion. Likewise, though you wish to continue this seclusion period, can you not be compassionate enough to permit us to arrange a darshan tour? We will strictly abide by the rest of the conditions laid down by you."