What prompted Madhavrao (Shama) to mediate between Sai Baba and the old woman who was fasting?

Madhavrao, also known as Shama, intervened because he became frightened by the old woman's condition and her extreme course of action. Chapter 19 states that the aged and weak woman had started a fast unto death, a form of protest known as Prayopaveshan, solely to obtain a mantra from Sai Baba. Seeing her unwavering and life-threatening determination, Madhavrao grew fearful of the potential outcome. This fear prompted him to approach Baba and mediate on her behalf, hoping to find a resolution and save the woman's life, which in turn led to Baba's compassionate interaction with her.