How did Sapatnekar overcome Sai Baba's repeated rebukes and finally receive a sign of grace?

Despite being repeatedly told "Chal Hat" by Sai Baba, Sapatnekar made a firm personal determination to stay in Shirdi until he received Baba's grace. As described in chapter 48 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra, his resolve was tested by sleeplessness and distress. One day, seeing an opportunity when Baba was alone, he decided to act. He approached Baba, and with a choked heart, he held onto Baba's feet. This act of desperate surrender was the turning point, as Baba then placed his hand on Sapatnekar's head, signaling a change from the constant rebukes he had been enduring.