Did not want to leave Shirdi to return home

When I was 9 years old living in Ludhiana (Punjab), I accompanied my grandfather to Shirdi for the first time.  I saw a picture of Baba standing wearing His white robe and instantly felt connected to Him. I enjoyed the darshans at Shirdi and did not want to return to Ludhiana. But my grandfather was answerable to my parents and had the responsibility to take me back. So I was taken back home. 

My devotion towards Baba deepened after I returned to Ludhiana. In those days there were hardly any photos or temples of Shirdi baba in Punjab. But I remained connected to my experience in Shirdi. I felt the bliss and was always so much into Baba and deeply devoted. 

My mother was scared I would renounce the world and take up sanyas! She made me promise her when I was 16 years old that I would get married and have a family.  How could I go against my mom’s wishes? So I said Thathastu - So be it. Eventually I got married and have two children. But my connection to Baba has remained steadfast throughout my life.

One day Baba came to me in a dream and asked

"What are you doing in California?  Take this photo and visit other places".

Amazingly, the next day morning someone came and gave me the exact same photo!  So, I immediately flew to Houston with the photo. When I arrived at the airport, I took the photo out and stood outside on the arrival curb. I put my trust in Baba to follow his directions without any questions or doubt or analysis. 

A cab pulled up and asked where I wanted to go.  I replied, "Take me wherever you wish". So the cab driver took me to an Indian restaurant and dropped me there.  Luckily, the restaurant owner was there and he welcomed me. He even paid the taxi driver even though I insisted I wanted to pay.  The owner fed me lunch and gave me place to stay. Needless to say, the restaurant owner was an ardent devotee of Shirdi Baba! Again, Baba’s Leela at play!  

A few days went by and then a priest from a local temple came to the restaurant and he was introduced to me.  The priest insisted that I come to the temple, and so I went there, and placed Baba's photo at the temple. The picture drew a few people who started coming to visit and pray to Baba. 

Soon, many more devotees arrived to take Baba’s darshan. After darshan, they would sit and chat with me about Baba and their relationship with Him.

I realized that I became Baba’s messenger to the people of Houston.

This was what Baba had intended for me! All I had to do was put my trust in Him. 

Jai Sai Ram!