Why was staying in the Chavadi both a hardship and a great blessing for Amir Shakkar?

Amir Shakkar's stay in the Chavadi presented a significant paradox. The hardship, as detailed in Chapter 22, came from the physical conditions: the building was dilapidated, damp, and filled with pests, which aggravated his rheumatism. He felt it was a form of imprisonment, as he was even forbidden from visiting the Masjid. However, this apparent prison was also a profound blessing. The Chavadi's location gave him effortless darshan of Baba every morning and evening. On alternate nights when Baba stayed there, they were separated only by a plank door, allowing for intimate conversations. This unique proximity to Sai was described as a rare benefit, a 'firm companionship' that one could not enjoy without great fortune.