How did the family from Malegaon approach Sai Baba, and what was their plea?

The family's approach to Sai Baba was one of complete desperation and humility. As described in Chapter 34, after all medical remedies and even worship of deities had failed, they saw a visit to Shirdi as their "last resort." Upon arriving, they immediately took Baba's darshan and prostrated at his feet. With choked voices, folded hands, and pitiful faces, they narrated the child's immense suffering. Their plea was a heartfelt one: they confessed they could not bear to see their son's pain and saw no other way forward. They begged Sai Samarth to place his protective hand on the boy's head and remove the ailment, having come to him with total devotion.