What does Sapatnekar's story reveal about Sai Baba's nature and his relationship with His devotees?

Sapatnekar's story, found in Chapter 48 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra, reveals several key aspects of Sai Baba's divine nature. It shows that Baba is the "knower of the inner self," aware of every detail of a devotee's past, present, and future, as clear as a gooseberry in one's palm. The narrative illustrates that Baba is the form of Brahman, and the entire universe is His family, which is why He could narrate Sapatnekar's life story perfectly. The story also demonstrates that Baba's actions, even seemingly harsh ones like saying "Chal Hat," are ultimately for the devotee's benefit. His relationship with devotees is one of deep, personal connection, where He not only knows their suffering but actively intervenes to remove their worries and grant their righteous wishes, as seen when He promised Sapatnekar a son.