Through all this, however, Varsha stood by her man. And, recently, became his wife.

The aftermath of the elopement saw both communities crying foul; the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and, Bajrang Dal and RSS called the affair the result of ``an international conspiracy'' and announced an economic and social boycott of the minority community. There were even calls -- that were not acted on -- for pasting of `Om' stickers on autorickshaws to identify three-wheelers on communal lines.

Then the attacks became personal.

When the riots broke out last June, Hanif was named as the perpetrator, though he wasn't in town at the time. He was arrested, charged with the kidnapping and rape of Varsha (on a complaint filed by her brother) and brought to Surat. Two more cases were filed against him, one charge related to brawling and the other to liquor, and he was interned.

He secured bail in November, but the same day he was put back in prison under PASA.

All this time, Varsha had been through her own personal hell. She was virtually abducted by Sangh activists, who kept her in `custody' in Ahmedabad and tried to brainwash her.

When Hanif's case came up for review 45 days later, Varsha appeared before the PASA board and narrated the ordeal she went through, ever since the `affair came to light' in early June. Her deposition -- stressing throughout that she had been in love with him -- ensured his release.

Their troubles, however, are not over. A court order still bars him from entering Bardoli; he is still facing charges of kidnapping and raping Varsha.

Back home, there are few who believe in them. Not, certainly, the Sangh Parivar. RSS Boudhik Pramukh of RSS Harshad Shah, whose motorcycle showroom was set on fire in the communal violence, says the `dharmayudha' will continue. ``The fact that more and more such cases are being reported is a pointer that there is an awareness among people'', he says.

There's worse news at home. Hanif's mother Zubedaben is fearful of talking to strangers after all that the family has been through. Their house was attacked by a mob and their belongings set on fire; luckily, the family had moved to safety.

``Why was only my son given such harsh treatment?'' she asks, recalling the trauma of that night. Incidentally, a Hindu neighbour, whom they were on good terms with, died from shock the day after the house was set on fire. The family stayed away from their house -- where they had been living for 70-odd years -- for more than a fortnight.Zubedaben is phlegmatic on the marriage: There is little you can do when two young hearts come close.'' Her younger son, Harun -- who believes hanif and Varsha are yet to be married -- is less so. ``We tried our best to dissuade Hanif, but he wouldn't listen. Plenty of girls are available in our community", he says.

Their family advocate Abdulbhai Vadiwala, however, confirms the marriage. Vadiwala says he plans to move Gujarat High Court soon seeking action against the DSP, the district magistrate and State government, seeking compensation for Hanif's illegal detention. Varsha's consent and the fact that she is a major has proved the allegations of conspiracy hollow, he says.