Why did Cholkar stop eating sugar, and what was the original promise he made to Sai Baba?

Cholkar's decision to stop eating sugar was a personal act of penance. According to Chapter 15, he had made a vow to Sai Baba that if he passed a crucial examination for his job, he would visit Shirdi and distribute sugar candy in Baba's name. After he successfully passed the exam with Baba's grace, he found himself unable to afford the journey due to his poverty. To maintain the sanctity of his delayed vow, he resolved to abstain from sugar, even drinking his tea without it, until he could travel to Shirdi and fulfill his promise. This self-imposed restriction was a secret he kept, demonstrating his deep commitment and devotion while he waited for the right time to complete his pilgrimage.