Why did it take so long for Cholkar to fulfill his vow, and what did he do in the meantime?

Cholkar's delay in fulfilling his vow to Sai Baba was due to financial struggles. Chapter 15 explains that he came from a 'poor household' where 'everything depends on a job.' After passing his exam, he intended to go to Shirdi but found it difficult to afford the journey. The text poignantly notes that crossing the 'threshold-ghat' of home expenses is very difficult for a worldly person. During this period of delay, Cholkar undertook a personal penance: he completely gave up sugar, considering it an 'inedible substance' until he could fulfill his promise to Baba. This meant he even drank his tea without any sugar, a secret act of devotion that only he knew about until Baba revealed his knowledge of it.