At the time of my manifestation, my mandali will be with me — except for two or three who will pass away before the manifestation.
Many years before Baba had foretold: "There will be fourteen with me at the end."
Significantly, there were fourteen individuals with him at Meherazad at this particular time, namely the six women: Mehera, Mani, Naja, Goher, Meheru and Rano. The eight men were Eruch, Pendu, Baidul, Kaka, Kaikobad, Aloba, Bhau and Francis.
Others, who were living their lives within the limits of day-to-day personal orders given to them by Baba, included those mandali at Meherabad: Padri, Sidhu, Mansari, Walu, Sushila (Vishnu's cousin) and Kaikobad's family. The mandali at Khushru Quarters were Adi, his sister Dolly, Don, Feram and the Kalchuri family; and Sarosh and Chhagan were residing in Ahmednagar.
During this period, Sheela and Mehernath would take turns going to Meherazad for lunch on Sundays, riding with Waman Padale on his scooter. Baba called Mehernath twice in November and Sheela once. During his last visit, Baba asked Mehernath to tell a story and then massage his legs.
Kissing him and handing him prasad, Baba remarked, "Mehernath, you will not have such a chance again to be with me. It is your good fortune that I have called you here twice this month. Hereafter, I will be in seclusion and you will not have such a chance to see me."
When it was Sheela's last turn in December 1968, after she had eaten with Baba and the women, Baba kissed her and motioned to her to leave. She was walking away when Baba came outside on the verandah and called her back.
Embracing her, Baba remarked, "This is the last food you will have at my hands. Such an opportunity you will not have again. This is my prasad to you for your whole life. Remember it always."
Mehera came out with Baba and was interpreting his gestures.
Referring to her, Baba continued, "There are many lovers in the world but none like Mehera. Her love is special. She is my Radha. Her love is incomparable and I bow to it."
Baba bowed his head to her and Mehera embraced him.
Baba asked Sheela, "Does your mother feel bad when I don't call her?"
"Very bad, Baba. She claims you don't want to see her."
"Not that. You and Mehernath are young and can ride with Waman on the back of his scooter. She cannot. Tell her I am always with her. I often think of her and love her. She is really great. You don't understand now, but you will realize it when you grow up. You have a very good mother. Tell her I will send for her soon."