How were Chandbhai and Mhalasapati acquainted before Sai Baba's arrival?

The provided text does not suggest that Chandbhai and Mhalasapati were acquainted before Sai Baba's arrival in Shirdi. Chapter 0 presents them as two separate individuals who encountered the saint at different stages. Chandbhai met the saint in a forest near his village of Dhupkhede. Mhalasapati, a resident of Shirdi, met the saint for the first time when he arrived in Shirdi with Chandbhai's family's wedding procession and entered the Khandoba temple. The text notes Mhalasapati then introduced Sai Baba to his own companions in Shirdi, implying their circles were distinct and did not overlap prior to this event.