How did Sapatnekar's persistence finally pay off when he was feeling rejected by Baba?

Despite being repeatedly rebuked by Sai Baba, Sapatnekar made a firm resolution to stay in Shirdi until he received Baba's grace. Shri Sai Satcharitra Chapter 48 narrates that one day, feeling extremely distressed and sleepless, he saw an opportunity when Baba was alone. Sapatnekar decided to approach and hold Baba's feet. As he did this with a choked heart and placed his head on Baba's feet, Baba responded by placing a hand on him. This moment of connection was the first sign of a breakthrough. It was a direct result of his personal determination to wait with a steady mind for Baba's grace, even when feeling scorched by the afflictions of rejection.