Khorshed wept at hearing this, but Baba did not change his mind. She then expressed her desire to move to Sakori and, despite his wish to the contrary, she was insistent. Baba did not take her to Quetta, perhaps to enable Khorshed to learn the importance of following his wishes at all times.
On 6 June 1924, Baba left Bombay for Quetta by the Gujarat Mail train, accompanied by Adi, Ardeshir and Ramjoo. From Hyderabad, this telegram was dispatched to Rusi: "Meherbaba and three reaching Quetta 9th. Arrange our undisturbed passing through Sibi. Inform none except Phirozshah. Avoid ceremonial reception. Keep matter strictly private!"
The reason for keeping Baba's visit quiet was that many would have demanded the Master's darshan if his arrival were made known to the public. This would have interfered with his plans for seclusion. They reached Sibi on the morning of 9 June, and due to Rusi's previous intimation to the police officials, there was no trouble in their crossing the frontier. (Persons crossing that part of the northwest frontier were usually questioned extensively by the British authorities, unless they had proper identification and sponsorship.) They arrived in Quetta at five in the afternoon and went to Rusi's house, where the family's lavish hospitality relieved the exhaustion of their journey.
Unfortunately, the charming house they had selected for their permanent stay during their last visit to Quetta was no longer available. Baba was disappointed because he liked its lovely garden. Another problem was Quetta's winter; its freezing temperatures and heavy snows were not comfortable for Baba's mandali. Those who were used to more temperate weather could easily catch pneumonia. After discussing the matter, Baba decided to relocate to Sukkur. There was also a possibility that Munshiji might be transferred to the Sukkur Barrage Works.1 Baba told Ardeshir and Ramjoo to proceed to Sukkur and make all necessary inquiries to select a suitable place for them to stay. Phirozshah gave them a letter of recommendation to present to his friend Mobed, and both departed.
Reaching Sukkur on 11 June, they inspected various fruit orchards and mailed daily reports to Baba. Ardeshir approved of one orchard on the banks of the Indus River; but Ramjoo wrote to Baba that the climate was so hot during the summer that it would not be advisable to think of living in Sukkur. Receiving no reply from Baba, they returned to Quetta on 14 June, but were informed that Baba had left for Sukkur with Phirozshah that same day.
Footnotes
- 1.Sukkur was Mehera's birthplace.