Rano recounts the Blue Bus tours with Meher Baba, including a memorable skit in Bangalore where she played a tiger and a Parsi priest. She also shares the story of Nonny’s sudden death in 1939, shortly after the outbreak of World War II, and Margaret’s journey to India to join Baba, facilitated by Baba’s grace and her chaperoning a young boy. After spending time in Bangalore, the group returned to Meherabad, where Baba was in seclusion. They traveled to various locations in India, including Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, and Hyderabad, until 1946 when Baba decided to close the ashram. The Westerners were to return to the West, but Kitty and Rano were called to join Baba in the North, where they traveled and experienced various events, including the Rano’s illness with hepatitis. Baba selected a small group of women, including Mehera, Mani, Meheru, and Dr. Goher, to accompany Him on The New Life, leaving Rano and Kitty disappointed. Despite their hopes of being called, Baba instructed them to stay in Bombay with Meherjee and Homai, with restrictions on accepting food and money. Eventually, Kitty secured a teaching job at Queen Mary High School, and Rano, with encouragement from Kitty, was offered a teaching position as well. Rano reluctantly accepted a teaching position at a school in Bombay, despite her fear of public speaking. With encouragement from her sister Kitty and the school’s principal, Ms. Groom, she gained confidence and became a valuable teacher. Rano and Kitty’s teamwork and dedication improved the school’s atmosphere, and they were frequently called away to be with Baba, who consistently emphasized the importance of their work at the school. Rano and Kitty, following Meher Baba’s instructions, left their teaching jobs at a mission school in Bombay to join him in Hyderabad. They confided in their supportive employer, Ms. Groom, about their devotion to Baba and their reasons for leaving. Ms. Groom, a woman of faith, understood their commitment and appreciated their dedication to their work at the school.

Rano Gayley

Rano Gayley

Rano Gayley

Rano Gayley

Rano Gayley