16. Ba : "When we are with him, then that makes all the difference."

In 1932, in Yeravda prison, when Bapu undertook the fast unto death on behalf of the Harijans, Ba was at the time in Sabarmati jail. Naturally, therefore, she felt very anxious about him, even though she was used to such rigorous practices of his. Once she said to her fellow sister-prisoners, "We have read the Bhagavata, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, but nowhere do we come across any reference to fasts like those which Bapu undertakes now and again. But, then, he is a type apart. However, will he be able to go through his fast this time?"

The sisters comforted her by saying that the Government would provide Bapu with whatever conveniences and amenities he needs.

"But will he ever ask for any of these?" Ba at once asked back. "Do you not know he is always a non-co-operator in this respect?"

Then she paused for a moment and continued, "Of course, Mahadev, Vallabhbhai and Sarojinidevi are there with him. And so there is no particular cause for me to feel unnecessarily anxious. But when we are there, then, that makes all the difference."