What was Mhalasapati's relationship with Sai Baba like? How close were they?

Mhalasapati and Maharaj shared an exceptionally close and intimate relationship. According to the details provided in Chapter 0, Maharaj would alternate sleeping between the Masjid and the Chavadi. On the nights he spent in the Masjid, Mhalasapati would devotedly sit by his side until dawn. These nights were filled with very affectionate conversations between them, a routine Mhalasapati maintained until he passed away. The text describes him as being highly advanced spiritually and completely selfless. He served as a source of guidance and joy for other devotees, effectively becoming a place of rest for them after Maharaj himself.