Why was B.V. Dev so confused and unable to recognize Sai Baba when he appeared as a Sanyasi?

B.V. Dev's inability to recognize Sai Baba was due to a 'veil of Maya' and a preceding encounter that clouded his judgment. Chapter 40 explains that this particular Sanyasi had visited Dev before the Udyapan invitation was even extended to Baba, seeking funds for cow protection. When the Sanyasi returned for the meal with two companions, Dev's mind fixed on the idea that he was just a guest. Dev later lamented his own foolishness, admitting that he forgot Baba's specific words about bringing two others, which should have been the clue. The prior, unrelated meeting caused the delusion.