How did the devotees feel immediately after Sai Baba's departure, and did they express any regret?

After Baba left for his abode, his devotees felt profound pain and a sense of loss, feeling that the compassionate friend who was right there had suddenly become distant. Chapter 43 details their deep repentance. They specifically recalled Baba’s saying, "It is not good to harass anyone; that gives me pain," and regretted that they had not taken it to mind. They felt that by fighting amongst themselves and "harassing devotee after devotee," they had lost Sainath, and his words were remembered with sorrow.