Can you recount the story of Madhavrao's pilgrimage, specifically focusing on how it began and who accompanied him?

Madhavrao Deshpande planned a pilgrimage to Kashi and Gaya after attending a wedding and thread ceremony. After securing Baba's permission, his journey began. Chapter 46 describes how on the road to Kopargaon, he met Apa Kote. Hearing about the Kashi trip, Apa Kote, despite having no money for the journey, was eager to join and could not give up the good company of Madhavrao. Madhavrao gave him courage and took him along, enabling him to 'wash hands in the flowing Ganga' by seizing the opportunity for a pilgrimage.