The news that Bayaji was building a storeyed house spread like a cry from the rooftops. There was only one storeyed house in the village and that belonged to Kondiba Patil. That Bayaji, an untouchable creature, should think of a rival storeyed house was too much for Kondiba to bear. Others also murmured that the untouchables were forgetting their position.
Work on the foundation had started. Dattaram Vadar was given the contract of
construction. The foundation trenches were filled with mud, bits of stone and other fillings.
Work progressed with speed. One day Bayaji saw Kondiba coming towards him and greeted
him.
'It's with your blessings that I have ventured on this storeyed house.'
'Baiju, you shouldn't lose your head simply because you've set aside some money.
Do you aspire to an equal status with us by building this house? The poor should remain
content with their cottage, understand?' Kondiba remarked rather sharply.