What was the initial attitude of Kaka Mahajani's friend when he decided to visit Shirdi, and what caused him to change his mind?

Kaka Mahajani's friend was initially quite skeptical and averse to idol worship, considering himself a devotee of the formless. As described in Chapter 35, he agreed to go to Shirdi with his friend Kaka purely out of "clinical curiosity." He made his companion agree to two conditions: that he would not bow his head to the saint, nor would he provide any Dakshina. However, this firm resolve was completely forgotten upon meeting Sai Baba. The moment Baba spoke to him, the friend was astonished to hear the exact voice and speaking style of his own deceased father. This profound and personal experience caused him to melt inside and spontaneously bow his head at Baba's feet.