The Walkers were disappointed by Adi's letter, but not discouraged. Once they reached Bombay, they took a train to Poona and then journeyed on to Ahmednagar by truck. They wished to arrive in time for Baba's birthday celebrations, and secretly hoped for a glimpse of Baba somehow. Adi asked them to sit in one of the bullock carts in the birthday parade, and they happily obliged.
The Walkers wrote another note to Baba, wishing him happy birthday and saying that they loved him and were content to be as near to him as they were. They intended to stay on a few days and sightsee. At one point, Adi Jr. implored Baba to see them. (Perhaps Adi Jr. was more sympathetic, because Peter was British, and Adi was living in London then.) Baba at last agreed.
At about 6:00 A.M. on 28 February, Sarosh, Viloo and Adi Jr. banged loudly on their door. "Wake up! Wake up!" they shouted. "Baba wants to see you! Get dressed. Hurry!" The Walkers could hardly believe their ears.
They were driven to Meherazad, and outside mandali hall, Adi Jr. handed Victoria a white handkerchief Baba had used, telling her to keep it with her always. The couple nervously went inside and were told to stand in a row. Two other Easterners were also present.
Victoria recollected her first moments with Baba:
When I looked at him, I became choked up and tears came to my eyes immediately. He was electric. His entire body seemed to be moving. Yet at the same time, he gave off a feeling of total tranquility. He continuously made facial gestures and his hands and fingers never stopped moving. I was fascinated.
Baba asked them how they felt and if they had slept well.
He asked if they used drugs (they smoked hashish and marijuana), and before they could answer he emphatically gestured to Peter, "Stop using drugs! Go to America and urge people to stop using drugs. Drugs are an illusion — a game."