GREAT HEARTACHE

 
Losing Baba's physical form had hit Sheela's father Bhau very hard. He went into shock immediately. As Baba's long-time night watchman, he continued to carry out his duties even without Baba's physical form to watch over. Sheela travelled almost every day to Meherabad to look after her father.

"I would find Bhau sitting on an iron chair, outside the wooden gate by Baba's cabin, still in shock, totally unresponsive, almost catatonic. It was winter, but Bhau sat outside during the night also, keeping watch. I brought tea and food for him but, again, I had to force-feed him.

Bhau was later diagnosed with typhoid, but he eventually recovered and returned to Meherazad.

The absence of Baba's physical presence caused great heartache among those in his close circle. Mehera cried for days and could hardly be consoled; Eruch, whom Baba had called "his right hand," did not sleep for days; and Bhau was in the coma-like stupor for weeks.

Others were more stoic or had resolved not to break down. Mani, Baba's sister, remained strong, responding to Baba's wish that she should care for and comfort Mehera.

Eruch's younger brother, Meherwan Jessawala, recalls observing William [Donkin's] behaviour after Baba had dropped his body:

"He felt totally lost, and heartbroken."

Despite the pain of the close mandali members, Baba's planned Last Darshan, which he had promised his Eastern and Western lovers from April through June 1969, was still very much alive. Plans began in earnest for the gathering, and William became one of the key organizers for the event.