The text says Amir's stay in the Chavadi was like "imprisonment" but also a "firm companionship with Sai." Can you explain this contradiction?

The experience of Amir Shakkar in the Chavadi is presented as a profound paradox. Externally, it felt like imprisonment because he was confined to a single, squalid location for nine months and was restricted from even visiting the Masjid. As Chapter 22 notes, he eventually grew tired of this dependency and the thought "Enough of this prison!" arose in his mind. However, internally, this period was one of "firm companionship with Sai." This rare spiritual benefit came from his constant proximity to Baba. He received Baba's darshan daily and, on alternate nights, shared intimate conversations with Him. Thus, while his body was confined in difficult circumstances, his soul enjoyed a unique and fortunate closeness to the Master.