There were the rare occasions in Lucknow when Shri Nathji would be seen in white trousers and a white sweater, playing tennis with R.R. Khanna. Shri Nathji was an excellent tennis player and was hard to defeat, unless he chose to be defeated himself. He looked so incredibly beautiful in the white tennis dress that people could hardly keep their eyes on the tennis ball.
Shri Nathji would say, jokingly: I am playing tennis with the ball of the Earth – giving it Peace and Prosperity in turns!
On one such occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University – R.R. Khanna’s boss – arrived at his house and insisted that he see Khanna.
R.R. Khanna was in a quandary. Should he halt the game of his master and meet his university boss? He took a bold decision.
Tell the Vice Chancellor, I’m playing tennis with my Lord and Master, and can’t see him today! he said to his servant.
Shri Nathji immediately understood the gravity of the situation. The Vice Chancellor was not one to forgive Khanna this slight. He could even impede Khanna’s promotion on any pretext. Khanna on the other hand appeared not to care for anyone in the world other than his Lord and Master, Shri Nathji. However, Shri Nathji was concerned for the career of Khanna and his worldly disposition. He was also concerned for the Vice Chancellor. Shri Nathji made the decision in an instant. He immediately put down the tennis racket.
Khannaji, he said, Main thhak gayaa hoon! I am tired. The game is at an end. Go and meet the Vice Chancellor!
Shri Nathji often narrated this incident to show that he was more concerned for a devotee’s worldly affairs than even the devotee himself. His aim was to add himself without subtracting.