Big Picture: Amidst Love Jihad, the story of Zahid and friends

In this season of alleged ‘love jihad’, here's a story of the lone Muslim student to have returned to his school in one of Muzaffarnagar’s worst riot-hit villages and his three Hindu classmates. The four are, now, trying to rediscover lost friendships and childhood in a changed, aged world.

Zahid, on the terrace of his house. (Source: Express photo by Oinam Anand)

Over the last year, amidst this Jat-dominated village buffeted first by riots and now a strident anti-love jihad campaign, he has gotten quieter.

Zahid (left) taking a break with fellow students, including Mukesh (third from left), at his tuition class. (Source: Express photo by Oinam Anand)

Sachin and Zahid are the only ones to take this desolate route to school and back. (Source: Express photo by Oinam Anand)

Zahid with Nargis, who is doing well in school. (Source: Express photo by Oinam Anand)