How did the author, a self-proclaimed cynic, end up arranging a trip to Shirdi?

The author's journey to Shirdi happened despite his cynical and argumentative nature, which he attributes to destiny and key relationships. Chapter 2 explains that his connection to Sai's lotus feet was due to a "past life connection with Kakasaheb Dixit and Nanasaheb Chandorkar." It was specifically "due to Kakasaheb's insistence" that the trip to Shirdi was fixed. Even then, his reluctance was so great that on the very day of departure, his mind suddenly changed. The narrative in Chapter 2 suggests this was a pivotal moment, influenced by seeing a close friend whose son had just died tragically, despite all human and divine remedies being attempted, which may have shaken the author's intellectual pride.