Baba had one of the mandali relate what had recently happened to Bal, his former orderly. In spite of Baba's advice to the contrary, Bal insisted upon leaving the mandali and began working at Sarosh Motor Works. But within a few days, he suffered a deep cut from a sharp piece of tin sheet and almost bled to death.
As related, Chanji had recently been given Baba's permission to write Baba's biography, which he had been working on. Baily was summoned from Poona and arrived on the 18th to assist him. Baily stayed for a day and narrated to Chanji a few incidents from Baba's early life. Baba said he himself would add more details, and he approved the inclusion of some of his "divine explanations" also. He instructed Chanji to dedicate the book to his parents, Sheriarji and Shireenmai.
One of Vishnu's closest friends from Poona was 24-year-old Vinayak Nilkanth Narayan Godse. Nilu , as he was called, was from an upstanding Brahmin family and had attended the New English High School in Poona, where he met Vishnu. While Vishnu had abruptly discontinued his education after he failed the matriculation exam, Nilu had gone to college and then entered Grant Medical School in Bombay. Whenever they would meet, Vishnu would talk only of Baba and would often write to Nilu, inviting him to visit Meherabad.
Nilu had come to Meherabad during the celebration in honor of Upasni Maharaj, ostensibly to see his old friend, for he had no interest in finding a guru or in spirituality. When he met the Master, Baba immediately directed him to find Vishnu and talk with him for as long as he liked. Nilu was surprised at hearing this and was convinced Baba had read his thoughts. "I came with that intent," Nilu informed Baba, "but I have changed my mind. I, too, wish to follow you."
Baba was happy and advised him, "If you can spare time from your studies, think of me. Think of me as either a friend or a brother."
Nilu was amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of the mandali. He commented to Baba, "The work of all your disciples is really remarkable. It is almost supernatural considering the plain food they eat and their simple living.