The two-storey house known as 'Swabhiman' in Mandola village, Ghaziabad, is obstructing the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2023. This expressway significantly cuts travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from six hours to two and a half. 'Swabhiman' is a classic example of a 'nail house', a term that originated in China to describe properties that resist demolition amid urban development. The owner, Lakshyaveer Saroha, is currently embroiled in a legal battle that dates back to 1998, when his family contested the Uttar Pradesh Housing Board's acquisition of their land. The ongoing litigation has left the property isolated and surrounded by the expressway's construction. A notable parallel is drawn with a Chinese case where tofu vendor Ye Yushou regretted his decision to refuse a compensation offer, ultimately left with a house isolated by a busy highway. As the Saroha family continues to hold out for better compensation, the outcome of their legal struggle could determine if 'Swabhiman' becomes a symbol of self-respect or a cautionary tale of missed opportunities.