How did Sapatnekar finally manage to get close to Baba after being repeatedly pushed away?

After feeling consistently rejected by Sai Baba, Sapatnekar became extremely distressed, unable to eat, drink, or sleep. In his desperation, he made a firm resolution. According to Chapter 48 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra, he decided to wait for an opportunity when Baba was alone. Finding such a moment, he approached and firmly held Baba's feet with a choked heart. This act of determined surrender was immediately reciprocated; Baba placed his hand on Sapatnekar, providing the comfort and connection the devotee had been desperately seeking, right before a shepherd woman arrived.