Sai Baba then said, "If you want to go, you may, but return within eight days."
"I cannot promise to return within eight days," replied Kashinath. "It may not be possible."
Sai Baba assured him that he would, adding, "I will see what I can do." And with the Master's consent, Kashinath left Shirdi.
Age was wonderstruck. He called, "O Kashinath, did you not recognize the Singer? Why are you leaving him? He has riches to shower upon you for the asking!"
But Kashinath did not like being at Shirdi. He continued to Kopargaon to meet Brahmachari Maharaj, a Hindu guru. But when they met, Brahmachari inquired, "Have you been to Shirdi?"
Kashinath was taken aback and replied, "Yes, I have been there recently. I had Sai Baba's darshan."
Brahmachari reproached him, "But your purpose has not been served. It is best if you go back soon!" Kashinath disagreed. He did not want to return to Shirdi, because he did not like the atmosphere there. Instead he stayed in a Hindu temple at Kopargaon and visited Brahmachari Maharaj daily.
One day, while Brahmachari was trying to persuade Kashinath that it was important for him to return to Sai Baba, some visitors arrived in a tonga for Brahmachari's consultation. These people were on their way to Shirdi, and when they found out that Kashinath had already been there and knew the way, they insisted that he accompany them. Against his wish, Kashinath was persuaded to guide them to Shirdi village.
They arrived at Shirdi in the afternoon and walked straight to the mosque for Sai Baba's darshan. The old fakir was very happy to see Kashinath again. After the darshan, Sai Baba inquired, "Kashinath, how many days has it been since I last saw you?"
Kashinath thought for a moment and replied, "Eight days."
Sai Baba asked, "Do you remember saying that it would not be possible for you to come back within eight days?"
Realizing the fakir's foreknowledge, Kashinath said, "You are right, Master. Your ways are beyond my understanding!"
At that moment Kashinath finally recognized the Singer! He decided to stay near Sai Baba at Shirdi so he could daily attend the arti ceremony and take the fakir's darshan. Although he now recognized who the Singer was, the Singer's divine face was still hidden from his sight and Kashinath longed more than ever to see his face.
After some days, Sai Baba asked Kashinath, "Do you have any money to give me as dakshina?"