After a dip in the sparkling waters, I started for home.
The only sound in the silence was that of my Ganges-drenched cloth,
swish-swashing with every step. As I passed beyond the site of the
large banyan tree near the river bank, a strong impulse urged me
to look back. There, under the shade of the banyan, and surrounded
by a few disciples, sat the great Babaji!
"'Greetings, Swamiji!' The beautiful voice of the master rang
out to assure me I was not dreaming. 'I see you have successfully
completed your book. As I promised, I am here to thank you.'
"With a fast-beating heart, I prostrated myself fully at his feet.
'Param-guruji,' I said imploringly, 'will you and your chelas not
honor my near-by home with your presence?'
"The supreme guru smilingly declined. 'No, child,' he said, 'we are
people who like the shelter of trees; this spot is quite comfortable.'
"'Please tarry awhile, Master.' I gazed entreatingly at him. 'I
shall be back at once with some special sweetmeats.'
"When I returned in a few minutes with a dish of delicacies, lo! the
lordly banyan no longer sheltered the celestial troupe. I searched
all around the ghat, but in my heart I knew the little band had
already fled on etheric wings.
"I was deeply hurt. 'Even if we meet again, I would not care to talk
to him,' I assured myself. 'He was unkind to leave me so suddenly.'
This was a wrath of love, of course, and nothing more.
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