What was the author of the 'Sai Leela' book like before he met Sai Baba?

The author, who would later be known as Hemadpant, describes his former self in quite an unflattering light. According to Chapter 2, he was initially mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical. He was always proud of his own wisdom and had a logic-driven mind prone to argumentation. He admits he was arrogant about his knowledge and knew nothing of a Satguru's greatness. It was only through strong destiny and his connection with Kakasaheb Dixit and Nanasaheb Chandorkar that he, a staunch debater, ended up at Sai Baba's lotus feet.