How did the initial attitude of Kaka Mahajani's friend contrast with his experience in Shirdi?

The contrast is quite stark. Chapter 35 states that Kaka Mahajani's friend started from a position of intellectual skepticism. He was averse to idol worship, a devotee of the formless, and his trip to Shirdi was motivated by 'clinical curiosity.' He set firm conditions: he would not bow, and he would not give Dakshina. His attitude was detached and analytical. However, his experience in Shirdi was deeply emotional and personal. He was astonished when Baba spoke in the exact voice of his deceased father, which caused him to 'melt inside' and spontaneously bow, forgetting his intellectual resolve. His journey from detached observer to an emotionally moved participant who felt 'restless' at being excluded from giving Dakshina highlights a complete shift from his initial mindset.