After being repeatedly pushed away, how did Sapatnekar finally receive a sign of grace from Sai Baba?

Despite being repeatedly rebuked by Sai Baba, Sapatnekar made a firm personal determination to stay in Shirdi until he received Baba's grace. Chapter 48 recounts that one day, feeling extremely distressed and sleepless, he decided to take an opportunity when Baba was alone. He resolved to hold Baba's feet, and this resolution bore fruit. With a choked heart, Sapatnekar approached and held Baba's feet, placing his head upon them. In a tender response, Baba placed his hand on Sapatnekar, comforting the devotee who had been scorched by the threefold afflictions and was hungry for a sign of acceptance.