Who were the first people Sai Baba met in Shirdi and what was their role in the village?

Upon arriving in Shirdi, the first person Maharaj met was a gentleman named Mhalasapati in the Khandoba temple. According to Chapter 0, Mhalasapati was a local goldsmith and a devout follower of Khandoba. It was he who first addressed Maharaj as 'Sai Baba'. Afterwards, Mhalasapati brought Baba into the village and introduced him to his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle. These three men were known in Shirdi for their hospitality; they would serve and look after the various saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who frequently passed through the busy village, providing for them according to their capacity.