Why did the author initially refuse to visit the Siddha in Bandra, and what did he learn from this experience?

The author, who was a Magistrate in Bandra, explains his reluctance to visit the famous Siddha, Pir Maulana. As Chapter 21 recounts, despite being constantly urged by the Siddha's servant, he thought to himself, "Why should I go? Should I be pressured by others and lose my own prestige?" He later attributes this refusal to his "ill-luck" standing in the way, noting that one fears their own shadow when misfortune is present. This experience taught him a valuable lesson, which he shares in Chapter 21: encountering saints and sages is not possible unless good fortune dawns, and it requires God’s grace. He notes that many years passed before he was transferred and eventually formed an unbreakable bond with Shirdi, highlighting that the company of saints is not accessible to the unfortunate.