37 parts Ongoing A cinematic, emotionally charged scene in Benaras, India, divided by religious conflict. On either side of the Ganges River are two clashing factions: the Benaras Hindu Party with saffron flags and angry Hindu crowds led by J.P. Shetty, and the Muslim Democratic Party with green banners and impassioned Muslim crowds led by Afzal Khan.
In the center of the image, on a narrow wooden boat in the twilight glow, are two young lovers. Ahmed, a sharp, strong, and dominant young Muslim man in a white kurta with intense eyes and a confident stance, gently yet firmly holds the hand of Aranya, a shy, naive, and delicate Hindu girl in a soft red sari with lowered eyes, blushing and anxious, her body language submissive and caring.
Behind them, the holy ghats of Benaras burn with the tension of upcoming riots-fires, smoke, and broken religious symbols rise in the background. Their love glows softly between them amidst the chaos, like the last peaceful candle in a storm. A hauntingly beautiful, dangerous love story.