After his initial disappointment, what prompted Damu Anna to visit Shirdi, and what was his state of mind when he met Baba?

Despite his initial despair, Damu Anna was prompted to visit Shirdi by a hint within the reply he received. Chapter 25 states that the letter also suggested, "There is a difference between hearing and seeing; you should come here in person." Heeding this advice from Madhavrao, Damu Anna traveled to Shirdi, clinging to the hope that Baba might reconsider and grant him permission for the venture in person. However, upon arriving and sitting at Baba's feet, his confidence faltered. The text notes that while he massaged Baba's feet, he ultimately "had no courage to ask," revealing his conflicted state of mind, torn between his lingering hope and his apprehension in the face of Baba's authority.