Why was Cholkar delayed in visiting Shirdi, and what did he do during that time as a form of penance?

Cholkar's delay in visiting Shirdi to fulfill his vow was due to his financial struggles. Chapter 15 describes him as coming from a "poor household" and poetically notes that crossing the "threshold-ghat" of home expenses is very difficult for a worldly man, implying he could not afford the journey immediately after passing his exam. During this period of delay, Cholkar undertook a personal penance to honor his unfulfilled promise to Sai Baba. He completely gave up sugar, treating it as an "inedible substance." He remained steadfast in this resolve, even drinking his tea without any sugar, until he finally gathered the means to travel to Shirdi and complete the vow he had made.