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 recounts her experiences with Meher Baba, highlighting the challenges and blessings she encountered. She describes a miraculous encounter with a man seeking Baba’s darshan, which led to a significant connection. Rano also emphasizes the importance of selfless service and surrender to Baba’s will, as outlined in His instructions for spiritual growth. After returning to Meherazad from Hyderabad, Baba went to the hill for manonash work but returned quickly. Rano, recovering from surgery, joined Baba and others on a trip to the West, where Baba gave darshan to the black community, a significant moment for integration. The group faced challenges during their journey, including a car accident involving Elizabeth, who was injured but ensured Baba’s safety. After the car accident in Prague, Baba and several mandali members were hospitalized. Despite the severity of their injuries, including Baba’s broken arm and leg, and Mehera’s concussion, they remained conscious. The mandali, led by Sarosh, managed the situation, informing others and providing care for Baba and the injured members. During a tour with Baba, Rano faced challenges in obeying Baba’s instructions promptly and correctly, leading to misunderstandings and Baba’s disappointment. Despite these difficulties, tRano enjoyed spending time with Baba during outings and sightseeing trips. A humorous incident occurred in Switzerland when Rano discovered that the clock in Baba’s room was mysteriously set an hour ahead, likely due to a sleepy young attendant. In 1954, Baba held a sahavas program in Meherabad, where a group of western men stayed. During this time, Rano was shown the ten circles chart for the first time. In 1956, while Baba was in the West, Rano worked on the “God Speaks” chart, receiving guidance and input from Baba. Baba refused surgery in 1957, and Rano cared for Harry Kenmore, who was staying nearby. Rano and Harry had disagreements due to Rano’s changed pronunciation.

Rano Gayley recounts her first encounter with Meher Baba in 1933. After hearing about Baba from a friend, she and her mother traveled to London to meet Him. Despite initial nervousness and confusion, Rano was deeply moved by her first glimpse of Baba and felt an inexplicable connection to Him. During Baba’s stay in London, Nonny, Ruano, and Rano were given permission to accompany Him, despite being outsiders. They witnessed Baba’s interactions, including a request for Nonny to purchase a pastel drawing of Him. Later, Baba changed His mind about their trip to India, opting instead to meet them in Marseille, where they had a memorable encounter on a train. After meeting Baba, Rano experienced a profound inner turmoil, unable to sleep for ten days. During a visit to Marseille, Rano witnessed Baba’s displeasure when Quentin failed to obey His command, highlighting the importance of obedience. Later, Rano traveled with Baba to America, where He engaged with individuals in the movie industry, exploring the possibility of a film that symbolized His qualities. After Baba’s return to India, Rano and others were instructed to return to New York, where they awaited further instructions. Eventually, they were invited to join Baba in India and were taken to the newly established Nasik ashram, which was equipped with modern amenities. Despite Baba’s promise of a five-year stay, most of the group was sent back to the West within five months. Rano recounts her experiences living with Meher Baba, including daily duties, fasting, and silence. She describes the challenges of learning Urdu with Ramjoo and the group’s interactions with Baba, including His talks, games, and the humorous speeches given by Kaka. Rano also shares her struggles with mood swings and how Baba helped her and others navigate their emotions.

Rano recounts her experiences traveling with Meher Baba to Cannes in 1937. She describes the challenges of the journey, including a rough boat ride and strict instructions from Baba regarding Mehera’s privacy. Upon arrival in Cannes, Rano details the accommodations and her evolving role, highlighting Baba’s increasing expectations and training. Rano recounts her time in Cannes with Baba, where she was tasked with escorting him and painting a chart. Despite having no specific duties, she often found herself summoned by Baba for seemingly trivial reasons, which she later realized were tests of her patience and devotion. Rano also shares a poignant experience where Baba called her to listen to a kettle sing, emphasizing the importance of his intentions over outward appearances. Rano recounts a time when Baba became upset with her, leading her to fear being sent away. Despite her anxiety, Baba acted as if nothing had happened the next day. This incident, along with others, taught the westerners in the ashram to prioritize Baba’s will over their own desires and to control their tempers, a process that was challenging but ultimately beneficial. Rano recounts her experiences traveling with Baba, highlighting the challenges of managing luggage and the importance of maintaining composure. She shares an incident where she expressed frustration about food, prompting Baba to remind her of the collective needs. Another story illustrates Baba’s prioritization of His work over personal comfort, as He took the women on a challenging journey despite the logistical difficulties. During a blue bus tour across India, Rano participated in Baba’s work by fetching hot water for the masts. Baba’s influence was evident when He secured Rano’s entry into Kashmir despite a missing permit. Rano learned to navigate Baba’s orders, even when they seemed contradictory, and found that fulfilling His instructions to the best of her ability led to successful outcomes. Rano recounts two instances where Baba’s will prevailed despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In the first, a father refused to remove his large son from a women’s compartment, leading the narrator to seek Baba’s guidance. Baba’s intervention resulted in the father and son leaving the compartment. In the second instance, during a 1952 trip to America, an Air India strike stranded the group in Geneva. Despite initial difficulties securing six seats on a plane, Rano’s persistence, coupled with Baba’s influence, resulted in obtaining the tickets.

Rano Gayley recounts her experiences with Meher Baba, including being called upon at odd hours for seemingly trivial tasks, which she later realized were tests of her reactions. She expresses her unwavering devotion to Baba, even when unsure of her future with Him. Rano also shares memories of Ruano, a close friend who passed away, describing her as lively and independent. Nonny, a close companion of Baba, passed away shortly after meeting him, leaving a profound impact on Rano. Baba granted Nonny mukti, a state of liberation, and Rano felt a deep connection to her, believing Nonny waited for Baba’s touch before truly passing. Rano also shared insights into Baba’s interactions with other companions, including Nadine Tolstoy and Norina, highlighting their unique qualities and contributions to Baba’s work. Rano created the ‘God Speaks’ chart based on an idea from Ivy Duce, with Baba providing guidance and wordings. The chart, initially intended for children, was eventually shown to Baba’s Western followers during a 1955 or 1956 sahavas. Despite initial concerns about the cost of printing, the chart was reproduced and is now displayed in lower Meherabad. Rano occasionally uses German watercolor crayons, which were recommended by Doctor Donkin, for creating watercolor paintings.

Rano recounts how her mother, Nonny, met Quentin Todd in Paris, who introduced them to Meher Baba. Despite initial skepticism, Nonny was drawn to Baba, and they traveled to England to meet Him. After a series of travel mishaps, they finally connected with Ruano and were able to meet Baba. Rano recounts her first meeting with Baba, a Perfect Master who doesn’t speak. Despite her nervousness and uncertainty about how to interact with Him, she was deeply moved by His presence. After a brief interview where she awkwardly presented Baba with flowers, Rano and her friend Nonny were invited to stay at the hotel where Baba was staying. Rano recounts a trip to Marseille to meet Meher Baba, who was traveling to England and Zurich. Despite being instructed to go alone, Rano brought a companion, and they were allowed to stay with Baba in Zurich, where Rano experienced a profound spiritual awakening. The group later accompanied Baba to Marseille for his departure. Rano recounts her journey with Baba, including a memorable boat trip across the Atlantic in 1934. She describes the challenges of the voyage, the joy of spending time with Baba, and the subsequent events leading up to their arrival in India. Rano also shares a humorous anecdote about preparing for Baba’s arrival in Bombay, highlighting the cultural differences and her initial apprehension.