Analyze the author's reflection on his failure to visit Pir Maulana in Chapter 21. What does this reveal about his understanding of destiny and spiritual encounters?

The author's reflection in Chapter 21 on not visiting Pir Maulana reveals his belief that spiritual encounters are governed by destiny and grace, not just proximity or personal will. He admits that his pride and concern for his prestige prevented him from going, but he interprets this as a symptom of a deeper issue: "ill-luck stands in the way." By narrating this failure, he illustrates the principle that without the dawning of good fortune, one cannot truly see or meet a Saint, even if they are physically near. As Chapter 21 suggests, his later unbreakable bond with Shirdi was a result of that fortunate time arriving, making the union with a Saint possible only through divine grace.