However enthusiastic a person might be about
going to jail, he exhales a sigh of relief as the day for his release closes
in. But I felt contradictory to it this time. Being prisoners we didn’t have
a free will to go out of the prison whenever we wished. But I didn’t wish to
be released since here I had the opportunity to stay with Bapu. Although the
rules and regulations of this prison were very strict, they did not matter
to me due to Bapu’s company. For more than five months, I felt as if I was
staying at home and that someone was dragging me out of it now. I spent the
remaining days in a depressed condition. At last, the moment of release
came. I packed my things off and sent them to the jailor’s office. I
finished the morning chores and got ready to go.
Bapuji affectionately gave me some
instructions. He said, “You are going out in the hustle and bustle of the
outside world after the seclusion of so many days. You might get excited. On
your first day outside, eat a little. Meet everybody but don’t keep awake
till late.” I bent down to touch his feet. He patted me on the back; it had
both his love and blessings. On that day I experienced the agony of
separation! I was fortunate to have the opportunity of living with Bapuji
for so many days. But I wasn’t fortunate enough to get such a chance either
before or after that. It was an exceptionally rare companionship!!!