I heard the author of the Satcharita was a debater. What finally convinced him to go to Shirdi?

Despite being a staunch debater and cynical by nature, the author's journey to Shirdi was set in motion by a combination of personal relationships and a shocking event. Chapter 2 explains that the trip was initially fixed due to the strong insistence of his friend Kakasaheb Dixit, a connection attributed to past-life ties. However, the author's resolve was cemented by a tragedy that occurred on his planned day of departure. A close friend's only son died from a fever, despite all medical efforts and, significantly, the physical presence of the family's Guru. Witnessing the failure of both worldly remedies and another spiritual master to prevent the death likely shattered the author's logic-driven worldview, making him open to seeking out Sai Baba.