Describe Ratanji's first meeting with Sai Baba in Shirdi.

Following Das Ganu's advice, Ratanji traveled to Shirdi. As detailed in Chapter 14, his first encounter with Sai Baba took place in the Masjid. Upon seeing the Maharaj, whom the text calls a "heap of merit," Ratanji was overcome with love and devotion. He immediately prostrated at Sai's feet, placed a flower garland around His neck, and offered a weight of fruits. After this offering, Ratanji sat humbly near Baba and made a prayer, expressing that he had come seeking protection from his great calamity. In response, Sai Baba immediately asked him for Dakshina, or an offering, which was His common practice with all visitors.