Why did Sai Baba seem to show partiality by taking money from one person but returning it to another?

Shama questioned Sai Baba's apparent partiality when he asked for Dakshina from one friend but returned it when another offered it voluntarily. As detailed in Chapter 36, Baba explained that this was not partiality. He stated, "Shama, you don't know; I don't take anything from anyone. Mother Masjid demands what is owed, and the giver becomes free from debt." Baba's actions were guided by a deeper understanding of karmic obligations. He was not collecting money for himself, as he had no family or worldly needs, but was facilitating the settlement of past vows and debts for his devotees, whom he was always pleased to see become free from such burdens.