During this period, Gustadji was allowed to eat only a little boiled spinach with a small amount of dal and rice. Due to his severe fasts of many months under Sai Baba and Upasni Maharaj, he was already emaciated, and under Merwan Seth he stayed extremely thin.

After some time, Merwan Seth allowed him to eat regular meals; however, at that time, Gustadji was more interested in performing the arti and puja ceremonies than in taking care of his body. Merwan Seth tried to persuade him to eat more regularly.

Gustadji would try to avoid going with Merwan Seth whenever he went to visit his aunt Dowla Masi, because she would force him to eat, scolding, "You must eat, Gustadji! Look at you. You're as thin as a rail! Merog, order him to eat!" Merwan Seth would then laugh and order Gustadji to eat something to appease his aunt.

Gustadji would avoid Shireenmai, also — but for a different reason. Whenever Shireenmai saw him, she would abuse Gustadji, blaming him for "encouraging" Merwan. "This is the man who is responsible for taking my Merwan away from me!" she often lamented.

Gustadji was a fakir at heart. He was as negligent of his clothes as he was of his body. He would wear the same faded coat over a torn sadra (thin muslin shirt) and had only one pair of patched trousers. He never wore a cap; whether in the afternoon sun or the cold of winter, he would simply tie a handkerchief around his head for protection.

with Gustadji

On 15 December 1918, when Merwan was 24 years old, a sister named Manija was born in Sassoon Hospital. Merwan was the first to see the baby as soon as she was born; he picked her up and kissed her — even before the nurses could give her a bath. While Memo was in the hospital, Merwan would often cycle there, bringing food for his mother. When Memo returned home with Mani, he would come to the house to see his baby sister. He would often sit rocking her cradle, singing to her. "Mani is extremely fortunate," he remarked. "She is mine."

Sheriarji's family had grown quite large with six children, so on 15 February 1919, he purchased the house across the lane from Bhopla House at 765 Butler Mohalla.