curious orthodox Parsee who asked Sorabji's brother whether Baba wore a sadra and a kasti (sacred thread tied round the waist) per the dictates of the Zoroastrian religion. Since Baba's sadra is of an extraordinary length, no proof about His wearing it had to be given. But to show that Baba was wearing a kasti, Sorabji's brother lifted Baba's coat a little and showed the kasti! Baba left for Bombay leaving behind the heart-broken Desai family.

Sorabji's niece, Bapai, was engaged to Mr. Minoo Desai at Nasik by Baba. The ceremony was short and sweet: Baba put a ring on Bapai's finger and it was all over. Baba asked them to get married quickly. After much debating, the large Desai family fixed the date for 27th of December 1937. Sorabji's health had been failing. Baba had promised that He would visit him during his last days on earth.

0n 22nd December, 1937, at 8 p.m., Baba and His men reached Navsari by train. Without any ceremony, Sorabji's family received them at the station. They came home by car. One after another, each member of Sorabji's huge family took Baba's darshan. Baba then expressed His desire to visit His "dear old man" (Sorabji) and asked Norina Matchabelli and the mandali to follow Him. After passing through a huge library filled with a long line of pictures hanging in rows, Baba entered the dimly lit sickroom. Baba stood in front of the dying man. After a few moments Baba asked all to leave.

Dinner was ready and was served in an open space between the main building and the kitchen. A long table covered with green banana leaves (serving the purpose of plates), fresh fruits, nuts and sweetmeats awaited Baba and His mandali. Everyone was sad and serious, but Baba in a split second changed their moods into a humorous one. After dinner, Baba clapped His hands and gave the signal for all to retire. He spelt on His board, "Now all go to bed and do not worry." After all were embraced by Baba, He and His party were led to a nearby cottage where arrangements had been made for their stay.

Next morning, at 5:30, Baba gave the signal for all to rise. At 7:30, the Desai family was to meet Baba in their library. Baba paid a visit to Sorabji, entering all alone, and remained inside for a few moments. When He came out, He gave strict orders that no visitors should enter the sick room except those who were assigned to take care of the patient. When Baba met the Desai family in the library, He wished that Bapai's marriage date be changed to the 24th. He also gave orders that the wedding feast for 300 guests should be called off and only a few relatives and friends should to invited to the marriage ceremony. After much discussion. Baba gave in to the marriage date being 27th Dec. as prearranged. Baba expressed His wish that He did not want to meet the masses for darshan this time. Only a few loving persons were to be allowed to come and see Him. Baba told the mandali, "I do not want to meet the masses here now; they will come when I speak. Then, no one will resist."

Towards noon, Sorabji apparently felt stronger. He sent a message to Baba through his younger brother expressing a special wish for Baba's party to see his "Sanctuary". Sorabji, who had always been a worshiper of Truth, for many years had collected relics and personal documents of saints and great spiritual souls. The most valuable item in the collection was a letter from Baba written in His own handwriting in the form of a poem dedicated to His Mother Hazrat BabaJan. After seeing the "Sanctuary", all turned towards Sorabji to express their gratitude.

At about four in the afternoon, a bhajan program had been arranged. Several people sang before Baba, but most remarkable among them was a young school boy who had a lovely voice. His teacher had brought him to Baba so that he should get confidence in singing before an audience! The boy sang well for his age and Baba