What specific negative consequences did Shama fear if Sai Baba failed to intervene and the old woman died?

Shama feared severe damage to Sai Baba's reputation and the potential for a public scandal. In Chapter 18, he explicitly voices his concerns to Baba, warning that if the woman died, 'People will say the old woman went for Darshan with a desire for instruction, but Sai Baba had no mercy and let her die.' He was afraid that such an event would cause a 'pravada' (scandal/rumor) and that 'apasharana' (ill-fame/failure) would be attached to Baba's name. Shama felt that the old woman's death would be an 'improper thing' that would cause great worry and bring blame upon Baba for not showing grace to a devotee with such persistent faith.