Excitement and confusion broke out, and in the disorder Chanji and Arjun were lost in the crowd. Baba wanted to stay, but he was asked by the local authorities to leave as soon as possible to avoid people being crushed in a stampede.
Some in the crowd had been "celebrating" privately. One inebriated man in particular was seen standing at a distance. For almost 20 minutes, the fellow stood saluting Baba in military fashion. It was only when Baba chanced to look in his direction and return his salute that the man put down his hand. Baba smiled at him. Thus, the Master gave him a taste of the Beloved's wine, too!
Back at Meherabad, Baba wrote on his slate, "For all their faults and intemperate habits, I like these so-called lower-caste Mahars and Mangs, as they have much more respect and humility compared to the so-called cultured yet proud and haughty upper-class people. The depressed classes, whatever their faults, are humble and loving. It is their humility and devotion that appeals to me most."
The following afternoon at three o clock, Baba rang the bell to summon the mandali to the Makan and stated, "Today each of you should ask me for something and I will do what the majority desires."
All were given pieces of paper on which to write their requests. They were then read out before Baba.
Mohan wrote, "Baba should break his silence today."
Sailor requested, "Baba should eat today."
Behramji beseeched, "Baba should forgive the mandali for all their sins."
Chanji wrote, "Baba should give a discourse."
Ramjoo wished, "Baba should give each a cup of tea, a packet of paans, and a cigarette."
Ghani wrote, "Baba should give us milk tea and a lavish meal immediately."
Besides these requests, some men asked for money and others for employment, but the majority were simply in favor of something good to eat for a change.
Baba wrote on his slate, "This is the last day of my taking meals, as from tomorrow, 20 October, I will go on a fast for 100 days. And as the majority wishes for a treat and wants me to join them, I will consent on one condition: that you prepare the different dishes yourselves and have the food ready by eight o'clock tonight."
Baba's decision was received with "deafening cheering." The experienced cooks like Sayyed Saheb, Masaji, and Bomanji did most of the work, but the other members of the mandali also formed groups to prepare different dishes.