Based on Hemadpant's initial crisis of faith, can a Guru prevent suffering caused by past karma?

Based on the events described in Chapter 2, Hemadpant's initial conclusion is that a Guru cannot override the consequences of past karma. This belief stems from witnessing a tragic event where his close friend's son died from a fever, even though his Guru was physically present and all efforts were made to save him. This experience made Hemadpant's mind very restless, prompting him to question the very utility of a Guru. He mused, "What can Gurus do against Karma?" and concluded that "Every living being is governed by the system of Karma; destiny is everywhere irresistible." This profound doubt about a Guru's ability to prevent fated suffering almost stopped him from ever making his journey to Shirdi.