What was the author of the Sai Satcharita like before meeting Baba, and why does he bring up the story of his name 'Hemadpant'?

In Chapter 2, the author, who is referred to as Hemadpant, describes his former self quite candidly. Before meeting Sai Baba, he was "mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical." He admits to being arrogant about his knowledge, having a logic-driven mind, and being "always proud of his own wisdom," which made him prone to argumentation. He introduces the story behind his name "Hemadpant" because he knows readers are curious, as each chapter concludes with the line "Composed by the devotee Hemadpant." He feels it is appropriate to explain this naming story, which he considers an inspiration from Sai, before continuing with the main life story of Baba.