The day Baba left Meherazad for Poona was the start of what would come to be known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Early in October, American reconnaissance planes had discovered that the Soviets had installed missiles in Cuba, capable of carrying nuclear warheads to any spot in the hemisphere, and of destroying all major American cities. On 24 October, the President of the United States, John Kennedy, ordered the U.S. Navy to implement a blockade of ships trying to enter or leave Cuba, and he threatened that the U.S. would invade Cuba if the nuclear missiles were not removed. For a few days, it seemed the world hovered on the brink of a nuclear war, but on 28 October, the Russians agreed to remove the missiles, provided America would end its blockade and give assurances it would not invade Cuba.
Also that same month, the potential military confrontation between India and China grew to alarming proportions. China attacked India on its northeastern borders and Chinese soldiers pushed across and down the Himalayas. Had any other nations taken part, it might well have turned into a world conflict along the lines of World War II.
Manohar Sakhare was working in the Cabinet Secretariat (military wing) in Delhi, on the joint intelligence staff, and although the work load was extremely heavy and intense, with an undeclared war on the borders, still he managed to come to Poona for the gathering. He arrived on 26 October. When he and his wife met Baba at Guruprasad, after a loving embrace and inquiry about their travel and well-being, Baba had them sit down. With a teasing smile, Baba remarked to Sakhare,
"There is a telegram here for you, asking you to report back to work immediately. So go back."
Sakhare tearfully implored Baba that, since he, Baba, had got them to Poona, he should keep them for the gathering for at least a few days.
With a broad smile, Baba consented to let them stay until 4 November, stating, "But you must start back on the 5th."
Sakhare happily agreed.
A few days later, some Indian Air Force personnel came to Guruprasad seeking Manohar Sakhare, who was frantically called outside.
Baba joked, "They have come. They will handcuff you and take you away!"
Sakhare started pleading with him, "No, Baba ..." but Baba waved him to go quickly and meet the army officials.
Another message came from his office in Delhi, ordering Sakhare to return immediately.
Baba remarked, "Wait, wait, now they will fix you!"
But after many messages back and forth, the couple finally left on the 5th, as Baba had foretold.