What context does Chapter 42 provide about the period leading up to Sai Baba's departure from his body?

Chapter 42 sets a poignant context for Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi. It states that the 'blessed, blessed' people of Shirdi had enjoyed the happiness of Baba's company for 'more than half a century,' which was an 'extremely joyful' period. The chapter then pivots to the main event, announcing its intention to provide an account of Baba leaving his body. It specifies that in the Shaka year 1840, during the third watch of the day on Vijayadashami, Sainath made preparations for his departure. This information from Chapter 42 frames the event as the end of a long and joyous era for his devotees in Shirdi.