The literal meaning of "put things right" is "to restore things to normal". The translation here as "get the forgiveness of..." should be a free translation based on the context. But I think if you don't look at the context, it simply means "I was never able to put things right with sb.", which does not necessarily mean "I have never been forgiven by someone". It may also mean "I have always been with someone." There’s tension in the relationship,” or “I’m having unresolved problems with someone,” etc.