“”The Patil sought Baba's forgiveness, and Baba replied, "I have visited and sanctified your residence, but I am unable to remain here for the present. I will come back again someday. Don't worry."
Baba then took his seat in the trolley and departed.
When they had first arrived at Shendi, Rustom had asked Baba whether he should send the trolley back to Ahmednagar and have it return in the evening, as they were to spend the day there. But Baba had wished the trolley to remain, and the reason for his decision was now apparent as he had wished to be able to leave immediately.
The group had gone nearly a mile when they were met by the tonga carrying Borker and Shahane. Baba scolded both of them for not properly following his instructions and ensuring that no outsiders were present at the Patil's house. Borker sought Baba's pardon and said that if he were allowed, he would go to Shendi and arrange things with the Patil so that Baba would not be disturbed by a crowd. Baba permitted it, and Borker left, while Baba remained with the mandali for some time under a large tree. When Baba and the mandali returned, they found favorable arrangements.
Relaxing in Shendi, Baba played cards with the mandali until eleven o'clock and then ate lunch of bakri, hot dal, and mangoes. In the afternoon he played marbles for some time with Dhake and Manekar.
“”During the game, in a light vein Baba casually remarked, "A great, great Avatar is born on Earth and will soon be revealed to the world. He is now playing marbles!"
Baily narrated stories from Baba's childhood, and Baba played gilli-danda with the mandali for more than an hour. ("Shree played a masterful game till the end," Chanji noted.) Until then the Patil had been successful in keeping the throng of people seeking darshan at bay, but when Baba and the mandali neared the trolley to leave, a crowd surrounded them. This time, however, Baba was not displeased and allowed them to take his darshan. Afterward, Baba praised the Patil for his sincere hospitality and gave him prasad.
Baba then visited the rural family house of Bhau Saheb Wanjari, also in Shendi. Before entering his compound, Baba had the tractor stopped and sent for the Patil to accompany them. Meanwhile, Baba gave this short discourse:
“”Until God-realization, this life and world of existence is like a game of cards.
