What role did Madhavrao, also known as Shama, play in the interactions between Sai Baba and his devotees, particularly concerning the blessing of books?

Madhavrao (Shama) played a crucial role as an intermediary and a key figure in the dynamic between Baba and his devotees. As we learn from Chapter 27, devotees who wished to have books blessed understood that patience and proper timing were essential. They would often take Madhavrao along and have him present the book to Baba. Furthermore, Shama frequently became the custodian of these blessed books. Baba would often hand the books to him, saying, 'Shama, keep this copy,' even as the original owners stretched out their hands, making Shama a central part of this unique spiritual exercise.