What does Chapter 42 say about the people of Shirdi and their relationship with Sai Baba leading up to his Mahasamadhi?

Chapter 42 paints a picture of a deep and joyful relationship between Sai Baba and the people of Shirdi. The text exclaims, "Blessed, blessed are the people of Shirdi, who enjoyed the happiness of Baba's company," noting that this joy lasted for more than half a century. This sets a poignant tone for the subsequent account of his passing. The chapter contrasts the birth anniversaries of gods with the death anniversaries (Punya Tithi) of saints, marking the day of Baba's departure as a solemn and significant event for his followers. As detailed in Chapter 42, the day of his Mahasamadhi marked the end of an era of his physical presence, which had been a source of extreme joy for the residents of Shirdi.