Is it just wishful thinking to see coincidences as signs from Baba? I'm trying to start a new project and I'm not sure if I'm interpreting things correctly.

The distinction between coincidence and divine intervention is a central theme in many of Baba's stories. While it is wise to be discerning, the experiences of his devotees suggest that what appears to be a mere coincidence is often Baba's work. Chapter 51 recounts a series of such events. First, Dixit finds Baba's portrait just when he desires darshan. Then, when he and Madhavrao are about to abandon their trip to Shirdi due to a crowded train, the guard appears to help them. Finally, they unexpectedly meet Nana Saheb Chandorkar at the station. The text explicitly calls these 'strange' and 'unexpected' coincidences, illustrating how Baba orchestrates events to guide and reassure his followers on their path, as detailed in Chapter 51.