In view of Khansaheb's letter and Adi's tearful plea, it was resolved to remain permanently at Meherabad.
To take a break from these recent painful, emotionally exhausting episodes, an outing to the Ellora Caves was arranged. At 5:30 in the morning on 26 May 1924, Baba and thirteen of the mandali drove in two cars to Aurangabad and Daulatabad; the rest of the mandali stayed in Meherabad. They drove through Toka and then arrived in Aurangabad where they stayed at the train station rest house, since the dak bungalow was too expensive. For lunch, Baba and the men ate rice and dal. Baba then asked whether they wanted to see the Ellora Caves or return to Meherabad, for he was still depressed about the argument with Adi's father, seemed uninterested in excursions and wanted to go back. As several of the mandali were eager to see the sculptured Hindu and Buddhist caves, Baba agreed to proceed to Daulatabad later in the evening.
However, on the way, Abdul Tayab's car broke down and Sarosh, who was driving Baba in the other car, tried to repair it. Baba then told Adi to drive, but he put the car into reverse and crashed into a tree, wrecking the back end of the car.
Baba railed at him, "Why did you ignore my repeated shouts to stop? Never drive a car for the rest of your life!"
It was past six at night and not advisable to go farther. Another tire was punctured. They returned to the rest house and Baba was restless and irritable the whole night.
The next morning, at five o'clock, they departed for Meherabad. Tayab's car caused more trouble and Padri was compelled to fix twelve punctures before they reached the outskirts of Ghodegaon Village. Baba reminded the mandali about lunch and sent Ghani and Sadashiv to the village. After a long time, they returned with only bhakri. Baba complained that no one remembered to bring his rice and dal, and that no one had asked whether he needed anything.
"How selfish you all are!" he scolded them. "You don't have the least thought for me! You only think of yourselves!"
While they were eating the bhakri, Baba suddenly became extremely ill at ease and ordered Sarosh to get in the car and drive. Hearing the car start, Sadashiv and Gustadji came running to take their seats. Tayab's car was still not working and was left behind with the rest of the men.
