Instead, a visit to Karachi was suggested, and Ardeshir and Ramjoo were soon sent there, while Vajifdar remained with Baba in Quetta.1 In the meantime, a telegram had been sent to Ahmednagar informing Gustadji that his group should come to Sukkur with their belongings. Ramjoo and Ardeshir were instructed to store the mandali's luggage in Sukkur and send it later to Quetta when they were settled.
All the men gathered in Sukkur, and after leaving their luggage in the rented bungalow, traveled on the 30th of June to Quetta. There they occupied a two-story house adjacent to Rusi's on Bruce Road that had been rented for Baba and his group. Everyone was in good health except for Nervous, who had contracted typhoid. Nervous was treated by a European doctor in Quetta, but his condition did not improve. As his condition gradually worsened, he was taken by stretcher to another bungalow in a better locality where it was quiet and peaceful, with hope that a change of scenery and the quietude would help him. Several of the mandali nursed him, and no expense was spared to assure his recovery. Baba visited him several times each day, keeping a careful eye on his treatment.
At that time, Baba had been especially attentive to Rusi's young daughters, Goher and Katie, with whom he would play games each day. Baba drew them both closer to him by telling them wonderful stories and making them laugh. These two girls were destined to be part of the Master's circle. Soon after, the women's group — consisting of Mehera, Daulatmai, Naja, Big Khorshed, Gulmai, and Vajifdar's widowed sister-in-law Jerbai and her sister Hilla — arrived in Quetta accompanied by Gustadji, Rustom and Masaji. Once the women settled in, Baba was most particular that Mehera was happy and comfortable in the new environment.
In Quetta, the Master himself would serve the meals to the men and women. Mehera was extremely shy and each day would be the last to come in line for food. On one occasion, Baba got so upset with her shyness that he threw her plate.
Mehera was frightened, but he very lovingly said, "Do not be shy of me. Every day you are the last one to come for food. Why? Don't do it again."
He would give Mehera extra pomegranates and grapes to eat.
Gulmai would comb Baba's hair, which had grown quite long.
Footnotes
- 1.At the time, Baily was in Karachi, where he had relatives.