Why did Sai Baba's request for 'kachrya' cause so much confusion among his followers in Shirdi?

Sai Baba's request for 'kachrya' (crisp eggplant slices) created significant confusion because, as the narrative in Chapter 9 explains, it was not the season for eggplants. After being served 'bharit' (a mashed eggplant dish), Baba asked for the kachrya. His attendants were perplexed because they had no eggplants and didn't know where to get them. This led to a search for the Purandare family, who had brought the devotee's offering. The confusion stemmed from the logistical impossibility of fulfilling the request and the mystery of how Baba knew about a second, unprepared dish that was part of the original devotee's heartfelt wish.