Baba remained at a distance again, this time standing across the river on the opposite bank. After the mandali had gone back and forth over the bridge for Babajan's darshan, again the two Masters locked eyes and communicated silently. Then Baba returned to Meherabad.
From Sunday, 15 April 1928, two weeks after his visit to Babajan, Baba went on a strict fast, not even taking his usual two cups of coffee. He would not even drink water more than once every 24 hours.
After a few days he stated, "If a certain number of people are prepared to fast for a certain period, I will consider breaking my fast."
K. J. Dastur asked him to clarify his conditions.
Baba replied, "If 200 persons fast for 24 hours, then I will take food."
Accordingly, from the morning of 24 April, 200 residents of Meherabad fasted for 24 hours on water and milkless tea, taken only once. On the following morning, Baba also took a little milkless tea and broke his fast simultaneously with the rest. Instead of being the first to eat, Baba stated that he preferred to serve all those who fasted with him first. After serving the food at about nine o'clock — after a lapse of five months and fifteen days — Baba ate a little curry and rice. Although Baba is perfect, he has to do penance for the universe! He suffers for all beings, and thus worships the universe. How can anyone have an idea of his worship? His worship is performed from the depths of the Ocean of unlimited suffering. Only the Avatar can do such worship.
Earlier in April, Baba had warned the boys that if they did not behave themselves, they would be transferred back to Meher Ashram and the Prem Ashram would be closed. On 25 April, he warned them again to improve their behavior. The boys began crying and Baba forgave any unruly behavior, but he urged them not to continue in such a manner.
Meanwhile in England, Rustom tried his best to bring a few British boys to Meher Ashram, but failed. The details of Rustom's three-week stay in London are not known, but he placed ads about the school in the local newspapers, interviewed prospective candidates at his lodgings (38, Ashchurch Park Villas, W.12), and appointed an agent to help him in his search. Boys aged ten to sixteen, regardless of religion or social status, were invited to apply, provided they agreed to stay for two years.