Why did Dev remain doubtful and confused even after serving the three uninvited guests?

Dev remained doubtful and confused because he could not definitively recognize the Sanyasi and his companions as being Sai Baba, who had promised to attend his Udyapan ceremony. Chapter 40 explains that a "veil of Maya" clouded Dev's perception, causing his mind to fixate on the simple idea that "He is some guest who has come to get a meal." This delusion was so strong that even though three uninvited guests appeared as prophesied, the experience did not provide the clear proof Dev was expecting. His lingering uncertainty and sense of disappointment prompted him to later write a letter to Jog, questioning why Baba had seemingly "deceived" him.