How does Chapter 41 connect past events with the main story of the portrait's arrival, and what is the significance of this narrative technique?

Chapter 41 masterfully weaves together past events to create a more profound narrative. It explicitly states its connection to the previous chapter, referencing a vow that was concluded with a visionary sign. More importantly, it links the arrival of the portrait to a previously told story where Sai Baba promised in a dream, 'On a Holi festival day, I am coming to your house for a meal today.' As detailed in Chapter 41, the arrival of the physical photo, brought by Alli Mohammed at the peak moment of the Holi lunch, is presented as the miraculous fulfillment of that very promise. This narrative technique demonstrates how Sai 'fulfills desires at the exact right time' and reinforces the idea of His divine play, or Leela.