The week had begun with a whirlwind of productivity for Shaheera. It was early in the morning and Jasra and her were having a small talk, sitting in the mosque near their house. After the Eid prayer they always took a moment to share discussions and deep thoughts. It had been a ritual for five years. When they came to live in Toronto. As the minutes passed by, it was already time for them to leave for work. As she sat in her office, the morning sun casting a warm glow on her desk, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. With the shared project with Rima completed, a wave of relief washed over her. It was a good day.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIogGTUQN6
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrM5WGPurc
In the silent office, a door banged open, Rima walking out with a huge smile on her face, her sky-blue hijab accentuating her tanned skin. Rima smiled warmly, extending an invitation to share lunch together. "Shaheera, it's Eid! Let's celebrate together. I know a lovely place nearby."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY9x1gvKBr
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfb78u0TmY
As tempting as the offer was, Shaheera had already made plans for lunch. She beamed at Rima, her excitement was evident in her voice. "Thank you, Rima! I appreciate the offer, but I already have plans. Mark invited me to celebrate Eid with him. I couldn't say no, as he has no one to celebrate with."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xMeYOkGdS
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ3taHzjQv
Rima's eyes sparkled mischievously, her playful nature coming to the surface. "Oh, Mark, huh? You two make a lovely pair. I'll make duaa for your marriage."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDUM2z9Db4
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr3egIbBLG
Shaheera playfully rolled her eyes, a light blush tingeing her cheeks. "Stop saying stupid things, no marriage incoming. We're just friends, and Eid is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with everyone. I thought of what we talked about last time, and I decided to take things slowly and how they come."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPjDn6gx65
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcRrokqGVc
With a knowing smile, Rima nodded. "Of course, Shaheera. Have a wonderful lunch with Mark. And if you ever need someone to be your wing-woman, you know where to find me."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡernIpmlOjp
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L3M8bdXCs
Shaheera rolled her eyes and stepped out of the office to make her way to the restaurant where she and Mark had planned to meet. If She knew Mark for over three years now, she still felt a sense of excitement and curiosity within her heart. She admired Mark's open-mindedness and his conversion to Islam, a path he had chosen willingly despite his family not sharing the same faith. She thought highly of him, and she always felt at ease with him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo9k55nsv5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2KsDUS5p0
As she entered the restaurant, she spotted Mark at a table, waiting with a bright smile on his face. His presence exuded warmth and kindness, and Shaheera couldn't help but think about how cute he was. Mark had Golden Retriever energy.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPZCcMajj5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGMiTAXzze
"Hey, Shaheera! Eid Mubarak!" Mark greeted, his eyes lighting up with joy. He putted a hand on his heart as a sign of welcome.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzja3EtW00
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3EBiM337v
"Eid Mubarak, Mark!" Shaheera replied, her voice filled with cheer. "Thank you for inviting me."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanTGlUKjQA
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdKZLcT9aa
They settled into their seats, and as they perused the menu; conversation started.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoKi5wXUfJ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YDnYA9fDL
"So, how is your family going? I remember you had some complicated interactions with your mother right? " Shaheera inquired, genuinely interested in his personal life.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaWU6iRQd5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ltBPz3I7A
Mark's expression softened, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "Well. He started. It's getting better, we communicate sometimes. I actually went to see her last time, we had a long conversation. But it felt ... Good. Yeah, good would be the word." He chuckled nervously, his eyes drowned in an ocean of sadness and nostalgia as he revived the scene. "Eid is always special, and this morning she wished I had a good day. I think she's trying to make some effort."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWEfuAcYmO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7XoTjcPQO
Shaheera smiled, touched by Mark's mother openness and acceptance. "That sounds beautiful, Mark. It's heartwarming to see how your relationship had been growing. I'm sure her heart will soften."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyUlGVEjnW
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElZj9zFZOH
Mark's eyes locked with hers, a playful glint dancing in his gaze. "You know, Shaheera, you would make the perfect wife. You're caring, understanding, and your cooking is amazing. I can only imagine how wonderful your Eid celebrations would be."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov0XZjxCBC
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ6Zs2bKXZ
Shaheera's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "Oh, come on, Mark! You're just flattering me. and for the record, my cooking is good only when I do cakes or patisseries."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBNs1S2T0T
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUVNBrZOdQ
"That's still cooking. Now that we talk, my mother keeps asking me if I have a girlfriend. I think she didn't understand how it works in Islam." he laughed while drinking.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY4mbZeuyN
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9UtiMxUPs
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter, and shared stories. They shared stories of cherished memories, the joy of giving and receiving gifts, and the spirit of gratitude that surrounded the celebrations. Shaheera cherished the companionship and the bond she was forming with Mark. Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground and an appreciation for each other's uniqueness.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPN3OOQXR6
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWUTUJMKjL
As they enjoyed their meal, Shaheera couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected friendship that had blossomed between them. She knew how he was into her. But as respectful as he was, Mark never tried anything. always having small attention for her, sending her gifts, or looking out to help her when she needed it. She knew Mark would be an amazing husband. She knew it. Rima had told her. Jasra as well. But still. Something was off. How was her heart so weird? So unsure.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQldB4sq5y1
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI0BHzSK0n
As the conversation veered toward their childhood experiences, Mark's eyes sparkled with fondness. "Back when I was a kid, I remember celebrating easter with my brother. Waking up early, getting dressed in new clothes, and rushing to family members. The feeling of unity and community during that moment was simply magical. Afterward, I would visit friends, sharing sweets and treats. It's those little moments that I hold dear."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkTSNiT0eW
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL37r0di4l
Shaheera listened with rapt attention, captivated by Mark's heartfelt recollections. "It sounds beautiful. Eid was always a special day. We would usually go to my grandmother's and all share dinner."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOH6Eahf7v
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5mGhDiUQr
Mark nodded a soft smile on his lips. Shaheera's heart swelled with warmth, touched by Mark's genuine sentiment. "Thank you, Mark. I'm grateful for our friendship too."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bFvgHQwUo
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozq9iRiIwt
As soon as she said that, Mark's smile disappeared for a handful of seconds. But before anyone could notice, his face lit up with another smile. But it was too late, Shaheera had noticed. She understood what mistake she had made. "Friendship". As they should have bid each other farewell, Shaheera didn't feel the sense of contentment and gratitude she thought she waited for. In the same tone, her afternoon passed in an odd atmosphere as Shaheera couldn't forget Mark's face earlier.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5nWWwgAYE
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvwbjNifyu
She quickly walked back to her office, her heart still tinted with regrets. With determination, she pulled up the guest list and began drafting the email to invite each participant. She tried to make every mail unique so that every participant would feel special. As she kept going, she couldn't shake the feeling of nervous excitement about contacting Hasan for the conference. Until it was finally time for her to write to him. Despite her efforts to maintain a professional tone, she found herself hesitating over each word, wanting to strike the right balance between formality and the warmth she felt toward him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvKF9y9V0s
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu76aUnuSAR
After a few attempts, she decided to take a leap of faith and sign the email as Shaheera, rather than using the company's name. She hoped that this small personal touch would convey her sincerity in inviting him. And that he would remember her. "Will he?" she thought in a second of panic, when the mail was already sent. As she continued with her work, she tried to distract herself from the anticipation of Hasan's response.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK298eNX4w
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyAUnQdxKU
Minutes felt like hours, and just as she was starting to lose hope, a soft buzz on her computer notified her of a new message. Her heart raced as she opened the email, revealing Hasan's reply.
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpmSxZzAYy
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv3FjWUmDB
Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixoZmwLzUD
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJr6xjMP0V
Dear Shaheera,443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffVrgPsnEG
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD5YhkqHth
Eid Mubarak to you as well! I must say, I didn't expect an email for you concerning the conference.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6ScUjaFaV
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTVIIDbVtm
Thank you for extending the invitation to be a guest speaker. I am honored and humbled to be considered for such an important event. The topic of the reedition sounds intriguing, and I would be delighted to contribute in any way I can.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAeKlYtg1y
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGShi7X2eqa
As for my availability, I am more than willing to make time for this conference. Please let me know what dates work best for you, and I will do my utmost to accommodate them.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCGfGZDqGI
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZwlefoNNR
Once again, thank you for reaching out to me personally. May this blessed day bring you joy, and may the days ahead be filled with more happy moments.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy3unA5LMO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AHKLnkyLs
Warm regards,443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8Y652OE21
Hasan443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioXKD2TiLc
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksAMD33pQ4
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXPRZOG1ZQ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS6N5CxDaz
A smile spread across Shaheera's face as she read Hasan's response. His words were eloquent and professional, yet there was a sense of warmth and sincerity that made her heart flutter when she saw he signed as 'Hasan'. In her excitement, she quickly typed out her reply without thinking.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3RnKXnhKa
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWUDd3FFzL
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3jRCWluVk
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFtaU20VFV
Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZY83rzF0F
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYam2zrtKK
Dear Hasan,443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA9X1men92
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmOAFYJ5bs
I'm so glad to hear that you're interested in being a guest speaker at the conference. Your insights and expertise will undoubtedly elevate the discussions, and I can't wait to have you share your knowledge with our audience.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjhRdVkKrK
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAyizje15B
As for the dates, I'll check with the team and let you know as soon as possible. Your flexibility and willingness to accommodate our schedule are truly appreciated.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI1jKNXymP
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotBFsJToeJ
Thank you once again for your kind words. I am thrilled to be a part of this project and to have the opportunity to work with you. Looking forward to meeting you in person soon.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDIlDuIajX
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXbB1bwiT5
Warmest regards,443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ08rQ0dtf
Shaheera, aka "The pain" roommate.
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirLFuwJyQ3
With her email sent, Shaheera couldn't help but feel a sense of elation and a smile spread across her face. The anticipation of meeting Hasan in person at the conference made her heart race with excitement and a touch of nervousness.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj9mM5QeSA
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgxFttwwiN
As they exchanged more emails discussing the conference details and occasionally sharing lighthearted banter, Shaheera felt drawn to Hasan even more. The subject was mostly work and the conference organization, but here and there, Shaheera felt more comfortable and mocked him a little bit. In the quiet moments of the office, as she exchanged emails with Hasan, Shaheera found herself smiling, feeling a sense of contentment she had never experienced before.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXTgbizjFe
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX0X9Dp8eO
But soon enough Hasan stopped answering and she continued her work. At the end of the day, a meeting with Rima, Mark, and Thomas commenced. She tried her best to focus on the work-related topics at hand. However, her mind kept drifting back to her computer, eager to see if Hasan had responded to her latest email.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunUs4F2irc
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytbOmU8duZ
Just as she was about to contribute to the discussion, her computer began ringing with a new email notification. She discreetly glanced at the screen, sad to find out it was another participant confirming his presence. Thomas raised an eyebrow, breaking her reverie. "Shaheera, are you with us? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NEhAPK8wk
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGCoTC5rcc
"Oh, I'm sorry, Thomas," Shaheera replied, trying to hide her slight embarrassment. "I got a little distracted for a moment. Please go ahead; I'm listening."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2CQJYMGeU
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc29TM53yU
Throughout the meeting, Shaheera managed to participate, though her mind kept wandering back to Hasan's no response. She rapidly drifted her mind to the meeting, convincing herself Hasan had way more important things to do. As the meeting concluded, Rima couldn't help but notice Shaheera's distracted state. "Hey, Shaheera, what's going on? You seemed a bit out of it during the meeting."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IZtJQwowB
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6TJppwYjn
Shaheera offered a small smile, not wanting to reveal the true reason behind her distraction. "I guess my mind was just wandering for a bit. It's nothing to worry about."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NhIf7AiVn
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE2QRHr3MK
Rima raised an eyebrow playfully. "Come on, spill the beans! What's on your mind?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupvHv66VHE
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepbkDmwJpA
Shaheera hesitated for a moment, not sure if she should share her little secret about Hasan with her colleague. "Well, it's nothing major. Just some personal stuff that I'm thinking about."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlfhh90CvP
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkae45pBZ0
Mark, who had been quietly listening, chimed in with a sly grin. "Personal stuff, huh? Could it be related to someone special?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeeauI8i1O
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJvpYIpWbk
Shaheera blushed, trying to maintain a nonchalant facade. "Oh, nothing like that. It's just some family discussions about marriage and plans."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCvXvXphFE
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHek2OLLgN
Rima's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Marriage, huh? That sounds interesting. Any prospects on the horizon?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2egsPnJp6
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX56X5Ch6nG
Shaheera decided to play along, not wanting to divulge too much about Hasan just yet. "Well, my mom mentioned a wedding she wants me to attend in France next summer. She said it might be a good opportunity to meet potential matches."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVNg4gksrE
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu10jislQC
Mark leaned in, offering a cheeky remark. "You know, Shaheera, you should look for someone you like and know well. It makes the whole process much easier." He quickly left the duo.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcAQDROUyw
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZQcAUu4EC
Rima's excitement was palpable as she teased, "Hmm, I wonder who he's talking about. Someone in this office, perhaps?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26YmIFiQXN
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhDW7g2cN4
Shaheera couldn't help but laugh at Rima's enthusiasm. "Oh, come on. It's nothing like that. Let's focus on work, shall we?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tqGZnyaq5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzly1Hq5ca
With the playful banter subsiding, the conversation returned to more work-related matters. However, in the back of her mind, Shaheera couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and anticipation. Her little secret about Hasan filled her with a warm glow.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx64jKfIdr
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxy8MvPCZp
As the days passed, Shaheera continued to wait for Hasan's response. It looked like he had forgotten about her. She felt sad. Really sad, but not a surprise. "How could a man like him even remember me" she thoughts a few days after her last email.
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThxCuTGXVe
