After being repeatedly dismissed, what did Sapatnekar do to finally receive a sign of grace from Sai Baba?

Despite being repeatedly rebuked by Sai Baba, Sapatnekar made a personal determination to stay in Shirdi until he received Baba's grace. His opportunity came when he was feeling particularly distressed and sleepless. As detailed in Chapter 48, he noticed Baba was alone on his cushion and resolved to approach Him. In an act of surrender and desperation, he went and held Baba's feet, placing his head upon them. This decisive action broke the cycle of rejection. In response, Baba placed his hand on Sapatnekar, offering the comfort and acknowledgement he had been so desperately seeking.