How did Kakasaheb Dixit and Madhavrao Deshpande end up traveling to Shirdi together, and what role did Baba's portrait play in their journey?

The journey of Kakasaheb Dixit and Madhavrao Deshpande was set in motion by a series of fortunate events. Chapter 51 recounts how Nanasahib Panshe and Appasahib Gadre spotted Madhavrao at Chitali station and directed him to Mirikar's house, where Dixit was eager to find a companion for a trip to Shirdi. After being introduced, they planned to take the ten o'clock train. It was then that Balasaheb unveiled a portrait of Sai Baba, which had been sent from Shirdi for glass repair. This sacred photograph was entrusted to Madhavrao, making both him and Dixit feel as if they were traveling in Baba's divine company as they departed with the portrait.