I read a story involving the Purandare family and some eggplants. Can you recount what happened and what it signifies?

Certainly. This story, found in Chapter 9, illustrates Sai Baba's deep connection with his devotees' intentions. A devotee sent eggplants (vangi) with the family of Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare, who were traveling to Shirdi. She requested that they prepare a mashed dish ('bharit') and fried slices ('kachrya') for Baba. At the meal after the Arati, the bharit was served and enjoyed. However, Baba then expressed a desire for the kachrya, saying, "Bring those." This caused a stir, as the kachrya had not been prepared. This incident revealed Baba's omniscience and his intimate union with his devotees, as he was fully aware of the specific loving offering intended for him, even the part that was not served.