What was the author's personality like before he became a devotee, and what led him to Shirdi?

Chapter 2 provides a candid self-assessment of the author's character before his transformation. He describes himself as "mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical," possessing a "logic-driven mind" and being "always proud of his own wisdom." He was a staunch debater who knew nothing of a Satguru's greatness. Despite this disposition, he was led to Shirdi purely by chance, which he attributes to strong destiny and past life connections with Kakasaheb Dixit and Nanasaheb Chandorkar. It was due to Kakasaheb's insistence that the trip to Shirdi was arranged, overcoming the author's initial reluctance and argumentative nature.