Nervous kept his promise of dedication to the last and died at a very young age. The Master reminded those with him that, in the past at Manzil-e-Meem, he had predicted two or three members of his circle would have to die, and that Nervous was the first.
They arrived in Karachi on 17 July. The following day, a large bungalow with a garden and a fountain was rented. Baba had a tour of the land that had been selected by Ardeshir and Ramjoo. Afterward they drove to Manghopir, eleven miles north of Karachi, where the remains of Pir Mangho, a famous 12th century Sufi saint, are enshrined.1 Manghopir is also famed for its hot sulphur springs, and there were many lepers bathing in the hope that the mineral waters would cure them. Further along the path were separate springs in which tourists were found bathing.
On Sunday, 20 July, the rest of the mandali arrived from Quetta with their belongings. The luggage stored in Sukkur had been brought to Quetta and the owners of the bungalow and land in Sukkur were amply compensated and their properties were returned to them.
In Karachi, a discussion ensued about future activities.
Baba explained his new plan to the men: "Besides working in the orchard here, another project will have to be started. After all arrangements are made, a department will be opened where the poor and disabled will be fed and clothed. It will not be an asylum for the poor and helpless, but you will have to search throughout the city for such people and bring them here. The search should be very thorough and systematic, not careless or haphazard."
He surprisingly mentioned buying a car for this work.
Baba continued, "Besides this work with the destitute, you will have to continuously repeat the name of God and can only speak to me if the matter relates to the work at hand."
None of the mandali was particularly enthusiastic about this new project. Finding them in a sullen mood on the next day, Baba stopped discussing the topic and informed those who had families that they were free to go home and lead a normal family life. However, within minutes of making this decision, he canceled the whole plan of settling in Karachi and decided instead to return to Bombay — from where those who wanted to could go home.
Footnotes
- 1.Pir Mangho (or Mungho) was a disciple of the Perfect Master Baba Farid Shakkar Ganj.