Why did the author, who described himself as a cynic and a debater, end up going to Shirdi?

Despite his cynical and argumentative nature, the author's journey to Shirdi was attributed to strong destiny and past-life connections. As detailed in Chapter 2, he would not have gone to Shirdi if not for his association with Kakasaheb Dixit and Nanasaheb Chandorkar. It was specifically due to Kakasaheb's insistence that the trip was arranged. The text states that he saw Sai's lotus feet "purely by chance," highlighting the role of destiny. However, his resolve was tested, as his mind suddenly changed on the day of departure after hearing about a friend's tragic loss, an event that likely prompted deeper reflection.