In plain words
I used to drive it myself. I used to go not only here in the village, but even to Madras. When I went driving at speed, those by the roadside would be amazed.
Kondamaraju, knowing that I was coming, had Easwaramma bring water in a tumbler. He had a tulasī leaf put in it. He knew that Swami was coming only to send him off. Only the two of us knew it; nobody else knew. He held the tumbler in his hand and waited for me. As soon as I went in, he said, ‘Swami, I am ready.’ ‘I am ready too,’ I said. I held that tumbler and made him drink a little water. ‘Swami, what good fortune it is to drink water from Your hands and give up one's life! Such good fortune does not come to everyone. It did not come even to one as great as King Daśaratha. But it has come to me. My life has borne fruit,’ he said, and smiling, smiling, closed his eyes. All of that family passed away without suffering. That is, good comes to the good. Because of their sacred feelings, everything happened sacredly for them. You too, in whatever situation, never give up the thought of God. Practise ‘the thought of Hari always, at all times, everywhere’. When that time comes, you too will attain a good end.
I never break my word
Now I will tell you about Karaṇam Subbamma and stop. She was a very great and virtuous soul. After I came from Uravakonda, devotees began to come by the cartload. Then Subbamma: ‘Swami! I have no children. I regard the service of devotees as the service of God. So I will cook and feed everyone who comes. You stay in our house,’ she requested. She used to feed everyone who came. One day: ‘Swami! All this time You have stayed in our house. I have been blessed with the good fortune of serving You food and feeding You. But I have one small wish. At the time I die, You must pour water into my mouth,’ she prayed. ‘All right, I will do just as you wish,’ I promised her.