Did Sai Baba ever promise to return after leaving his body, and if so, in what form?

Yes, Chapter 43 provides a specific promise from Sai Baba regarding his return. The text recounts how Maharaj had told his devotees before he left, "As an eight-year-old child, I will appear again." This is presented as the word of a saint that should not be considered in vain. The author draws a parallel to the Krishna avatar appearing before Devaki to illustrate that such an event is not without precedent. This promise gave devotees full confidence that he would return, transforming their grief into hopeful anticipation.