The consul asked them questions in Persian, and one of the men replied in Persian, "I am sorry, sir, but we do not speak Persian!" The consul was amused and surprised to hear this reply and he unhesitatingly endorsed everyone's passport. Afterward, Baba discussed their upcoming trip and decided that they should proceed to Iran via Bandar Abbas, instead of Baghdad, because travel expenses would be less costly by that route. Following this decision, an addendum to the official agreement was made on 15 February and signed by the mandali on stamp paper. It read:
We, the undersigned, hereby declare and agree that we are going to Persia of our own free will and accord. We further hold ourselves responsible for any mishap that may occur, whether physical, mental or financial, under any circumstances; that is, Meher Baba is in no way responsible for any consequences of the journey, or otherwise, during the time we are with him.
The route was changed again, however, and the decision was made to travel through Baghdad. It was also determined that only eight men were to accompany Baba. The other mandali were to remain at their respective homes and rejoin him after his return from Persia.
Naval had already purchased the steamship tickets via Bandar Abbas. It proved to be a difficult task for him to have them changed, though he was able to do so without incurring any extra expense. However, the extra cost of sending telegrams to different people in Persia turned out to be tremendous.
While staying in the Bharucha Building, Baba ordered the mandali to fast for 24 hours on three occasions. His birthday was celebrated again on Tuesday, 19 February 1924, since the trip to Persia had been postponed one more time — from the 14th to the 22nd of February. Occasionally Baba would go to Irani Mansion especially to see Mehera, the Rose of his Garden. He also visited Naval's and Burjor's homes.
“”On 22 February, Baba awakened the mandali unexpectedly at 3:00 A.M. and asked them, "Should we leave for Persia today or not?"
Behramji had been suffering from fever for several days and all favored postponing the trip.
“”But Baba wanted to leave and demanded, "We must go today, so get ready."
The luggage was dispatched to the docks in a bullock cart, and the men left in much haste.
They boarded the SS Varela at 7:30 A.M. and departed from Bombay harbor two hours later.
