ChaptersChapter 37Page 4,923

Chapter 37: East-West Gathering

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But that afternoon, Baba came back to mandali hall at 2:00 P.M. When he came to know about the old man, he was very displeased with Aloba for turning them away (although Aloba had been acting according to standing instructions from Baba). Aloba said, "Baba, it was your order not to disturb you, so I told them to come back at four o'clock." Baba was not placated and severely took all to task for two hours, complaining bitterly against them for their lack of consideration. Baba appeared anxious and restless, asking the mandali again and again whether the person would return.
The three men returned at four o'clock and Golwala flung himself at Baba's feet and sobbed with joy. Baba embraced him and expressed great happiness at seeing him. Baba made the old man sit beside him on a chair, and he talked with him for some time before allowing him to depart.
The two younger men who had accompanied the old man, bowed at Baba's feet and confessed, "We did not intend to bring him here. But it was our good fortune that we came and had your darshan." The two companions were deeply reverent and impressed, and one told Baba, "Nothing could dissuade the old man from coming to see you, in spite of the repeated Nos! from everyone. And now, through him, we too have been blessed with your darshan despite your seclusion."
As Golwala was leaving, he patted Baba and said, "Bless you, Baba. May you live long! May you live long for the sake of this work — for the sake of us all, your children. May you live many, many years, for you alone are the Savior and hope of this world!"
He embraced Eruch and some of the other mandali, and said, "Preserve him [Baba] like a flower. Make him dearer to you than your own life. Look after him, serve him well, for he is the Malik [Owner] of the universe — and by serving him you all will be immortal, too."
It was such a touching scene that some of the mandali themselves were moved to tears.
Baba was radiantly happy at the man's visit, and after he had gone, he remarked to the mandali, "Here is a man who came to ask for nothing, but simply to give me love and a 'blessing' for the world. All these years I have been waiting for someone to bless me and at last, today, that old Parsi did!"
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