After Cholkar passed his exam, why did he delay his trip to Shirdi, and what personal sacrifice did he make during this time?

Although Cholkar's wish was granted and he passed his exam, he was unable to fulfill his vow immediately. Chapter 15 explains that as a worldly man, he found the "threshold-ghat," or home expenses, very difficult to manage. He simply couldn't afford the journey and felt he couldn't go to see Baba empty-handed. Because of this delay in fulfilling his promise, Cholkar decided to undertake a personal penance. He gave up sugar entirely, treating it as an inedible substance and even drinking his tea without it until he could finally go to Shirdi.