Who was Madhavrao Deshpande and how did he end up traveling with Kakasaheb Dixit to Shirdi with Baba's portrait?

Madhavrao Balwant Deshpande, a resident and priest of Shirdi, played a pivotal role in Kakasaheb Dixit's journey. Chapter 51 recounts that while Madhavrao was visiting his father-in-law, he was spotted by Nanasahib Panshe and Appasahib Gadre. They knew Dixit was eager to visit Shirdi and sent Madhavrao to Mirikar's house to meet him. At the house, Balasaheb Mirikar introduced them and they planned to travel together that night. Balasaheb then entrusted a repaired portrait of Sai Baba to Madhavrao to take back to Shirdi. Thus, Madhavrao and Dixit set out together, with Madhavrao carrying the portrait and narrating Baba's stories to Dixit during the train ride.