So, after everything had been arranged and settled, Baba canceled the sahavas. Those in the West were of course extremely disappointed, but perhaps the person most disappointed of all was Sarosh, who was still in a Bombay hospital recovering from an operation when Baba made the announcement. It was against great odds that he (even as mayor of the town), Viloo and Adi had received permission to use the new hospital building in Ahmednagar, and he had become quite anxious that the sahavas be held.
For those in Meherazad, Baba's decision was not utterly unexpected. When Baba was informed that the sanction for the hospital building's use had finally been obtained, he did not express any satisfaction, much less happiness, but merely commented that holding the sahavas depended on his work and the state of his health, which remained a major hurdle.
Baba had also sent Harry Kenmore a telegram in August informing him not to make any payment to Air India International (as a deposit for the charter airline flight) without first obtaining Baba's permission. This was followed by a personal letter from Eruch, hinting that although it seemed improbable (and Baba had repeatedly stated, through Mani's Family Letter, that the sahavas would take place), it was not impossible that Baba would yet cancel the sahavas. Harry had written:
The tension of expectancy and anticipation is mounting daily. Oh, how all concerned are aching to go to Baba in December! Confirmations are pouring in and we have 182 signed up with money on the line. The whole endeavor has gone relatively smoothly ... You know, Eruch, some people get more fun out of preparing for a picnic than they do on picnic day. But, in this case, it will be no picnic for those who are told it's all off! ... But be assured without equivocation that Baba's wish and will in this matter, as in any matter in which he is concerned, will always be observed as he directs. On that you can bet your last paisa! Nobody ain't gonna get nothin', not even nothin', unless the BOSS says so! For he am de General, de engineer, de major domo what runs this show jes' like all de other shows! What he decides is for our own best good. So let his will be done!!!
Afterwards, Baba had this message cabled to Kenmore:
I have canceled the December sahavas. I want you not to feel disappointed or disturbed for I know what I am doing. I also know how you and Annarosa [Karrasch] have labored and done your utmost to make possible for a large number of my lovers to see me. I am very pleased and proud of you. Remain happily resigned to my will and pleasure.