It would not be a matter of him saying he was "not a Baba" for a few minutes — the mandali were made to listen to the same haranguing monologue for hours, until they could stand it no longer and would plead with him to stop.
At times the Master would curse them to arouse them out of their laxness.
He also tried to create doubts in their minds by confronting them: "What do you know? You only say I am God in human form. Do you really believe I am God? What have you gained from me? Have you gained anything? Tell me what you are thinking! Speak up!"
Thus the Master "hammered" away at his close disciples until they were thoroughly fed up.
Baba changed their route again. Instead of Sakori, he headed toward Bombay. Adi was telegraphed in Ahmednagar and instructed to meet them there with Masaji. After spending ten days in the area, on 9 September the group left Baroda and arrived in Bombay. Baba and the men stayed with Kaikhushru Masa's and Vajifdar's families in Irani Mansion for a week; a permanent residence was still to be settled.
After only a few days, Baba decided to visit Goa and other places in South India with some of the mandali. Padri was exhausted from their recent journey and entreated Baba to allow him to stay behind. Moreover, he was mentally fatigued from Baba's constant goading. He pleaded with Baba not to take him.
But Baba, pinching his throat in the Indian gesture of a promise, said, "Come along. I swear I won't bother you anymore."
Padri did not believe him.
Padri, one of the youngest mandali, was often caught between the quarrels of the older men, especially Gustadji and Behramji, who had been at loggerheads throughout the journey. This, along with Baba's constant teasing, had caused too much emotional turmoil for him to endure any longer. Padri himself had a short temper and feared that he might become so enraged that he would say something disrespectful, for which he might have to repent for the rest of his life. Despite Baba's promise, Padri did not go. Baba appointed Vajifdar manager in his place.
On 14 September 1924, Baba left Bombay for Poona with Gustadji, Behramji, Masaji and Vajifdar. From Poona, they immediately departed for Panjim. During the train ride, Vajifdar fell ill with a fever, and by the time they reached Londa his condition had worsened.