It was 6 Am. in the morning and the cozy living room of Shaheera's and Jasra’s apartment was buzzing with activity. Suitcases were scattered around as she and Jasra prepared for the upcoming business trip to France. Jasra couldn't help but tease Shaheera for taking what seemed like her entire wardrobe for just a seven-day trip.499Please respect copyright.PENANAOEXQmJDYMb
499Please respect copyright.PENANAWxIJz8jiSl
"Seriously, Shaheera, do you plan on opening a boutique there?" Jasra joked, eyeing the mountain of clothes that Shaheera was trying to fit into her suitcase.499Please respect copyright.PENANACeckVbSDbU
499Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5xU0ZPlBm
Shaheera laughed, brushing off her friend's playful banter. "I just want to be prepared for any occasion. You never know what might come up during the conference."499Please respect copyright.PENANARiN33nhQvh
499Please respect copyright.PENANAVS4EExqiDw
Amidst the packing chaos, Shaheera couldn't resist asking Jasra about work. "By the way, who will be taking over for Hasan while he's away at the conference?"499Please respect copyright.PENANA339fe4A3CD
499Please respect copyright.PENANAXS3u3PB3Zi
Jasra's face lit up with amusement. "Oh, it's going to be Yaasir. He's quite the character, and he's definitely funnier than Hasan. Mr. I-Know-everything is about as funny as a dead body."499Please respect copyright.PENANAb1CFR3aan6
499Please respect copyright.PENANA7EptwxTyLs
Shaheera chuckled, remembering their lighthearted encounter in the parking lot. It had been some time since she had heard from Hasan, and she wondered if he was doing well.499Please respect copyright.PENANAPdGLpsFcR6
499Please respect copyright.PENANApy94O14FTn
After what seemed like an eternity of packing, a car horn honked outside. It was Thomas, Rima, and Mark, who had come to pick her up for their trip to the airport. Shaheera quickly donned her beige hijab and joined her friends in the car, her suitcase finally zipped shut.499Please respect copyright.PENANA0mvom1Q1L8
499Please respect copyright.PENANAwvEeL0yTO3
“Be careful!” Jasra shouted from the window. “And come back with real chocolate! I can deal with the one they sell here.”499Please respect copyright.PENANA3DwTAe6JyF
499Please respect copyright.PENANAcs15G8WoPn
The car ride to the airport was filled with laughter and singing, as they decided to have an impromptu karaoke session to lighten the mood. Shaheera felt grateful for the companionship of her friends, and the nervousness she had felt about the trip began to subside. At the airport, they smoothly navigated through the check-in and security process. However, at the security checkpoint, Shaheera encountered a small challenge. She was asked to remove her hijab for security purposes, which left her feeling a bit uneasy. Rima quickly stepped in, offering her jacket to cover Shaheera while she complied with the security procedures. Her friends' support made her feel more at ease, and she knew that she was not alone in these moments of discomfort.499Please respect copyright.PENANA5mKq2mdSDW
499Please respect copyright.PENANAhJsb3hSBR1
Once on the plane, Shaheera found her seat near the aisle, and she couldn't believe her eyes when she saw someone familiar walking down the aisle. It was Hasan. They both smiled at the serendipitous encounter, and Shaheera introduced him to her friends and colleagues.499Please respect copyright.PENANAoT6t0vv9cL
499Please respect copyright.PENANASlZYGQvAgk
“Hasan! What are you doing here?” She asked her smile as wild as the pleasure she felt to see him after so long. Hasan smile disappeared, seeing her friends behind her looking at him, wondering who he was. He coughed a little, making himself time to build his confidence back. And with his usual stoic face, he answered her.499Please respect copyright.PENANAPmmS2QZhLd
“Well, I’m going to the conference. The same one you invited me.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAek5B0jW1ot
499Please respect copyright.PENANAzt6oiTBfjy
Shaheera looked nervous. “You’re stupid,” she thought to herself. “Of course, he’s going to the conference, what did you think he would answer?”499Please respect copyright.PENANApeqcBWytqD
499Please respect copyright.PENANAa7JhvjprXD
"Yes of course” she chuckled shyly. “Hmm, well, Hasan meet Thomas, Rima, and Mark. They are the wonderful people I get to work with," Shaheera said with a warm smile trying to hide her embarrassment.499Please respect copyright.PENANAZndLRt5tAi
499Please respect copyright.PENANA7y9DXbUaBS
"Nice to meet all of you," Hasan greeted them politely, his eyes lingering on Shaheera. "I didn't expect to see you on this flight."499Please respect copyright.PENANAf8saFOsRcw
499Please respect copyright.PENANA6c4QhdhNCE
"It was the cheapest," Rima chimed in with a playful wink.499Please respect copyright.PENANAPWf4JWr4p8
499Please respect copyright.PENANAaTQzQOccGQ
As Hasan took the seat next to the aisle, Shaheera felt a sense of comfort knowing she wouldn't be alone during the long journey. Shaheera was sitting by the aisle, on the right side of the plane. To his left was Rima, deep in conversation with Thomas. Hasan sat next to Shaheera, on the other side of the aisle, on the right side of the plane. Mark to his right. Shaheera smiled at him and then joined Thomas and Rima’s conversation waiting for teh plane to take off. However, she heard her right deep breath. She looked at Hasan and saw him eyes closed.499Please respect copyright.PENANABYSxmTf6Nm
499Please respect copyright.PENANAacB6A7dowu
“Scared of planes?” she asked in a low voice, leaning in the aisle.499Please respect copyright.PENANAr5lZVimeye
499Please respect copyright.PENANAK7cp2iL3KJ
“You’re not?” he answered his eyes still closed, head back.499Please respect copyright.PENANA6sWmSRdbVL
499Please respect copyright.PENANANUfm1Y3J6P
“I’ve taking planes since I was a baby.” she laughed. Hasan didn’t answer anything and just kept his eyes closed. “Come on, Hasan, it's just a short flight to France near Switzerland. We'll be there before you know it."499Please respect copyright.PENANAIBxMSW5eOO
499Please respect copyright.PENANABUNTOe7zeB
"Just a short flight, huh?" Hasan said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I guess you're right. I've flown many times before."499Please respect copyright.PENANAUOuXQ1BCUG
499Please respect copyright.PENANASyDL8Q0UUz
Shaheera knew that Hasan was trying to put on a brave front, but she also knew that his fear was genuine. She decided to engage him in conversation to take his mind off the flight. "Need anything?” she finally asked softly. Hasan looked at her, astonished to hear her usual joyful voice, calm and almost tender. Her eyes were full of concern and her mouth forming a grin. he closed his eyes rapidly.499Please respect copyright.PENANAlUGbNIFgOM
499Please respect copyright.PENANAtSlqkOlXHW
“Just … Talk to me? If you don’t mind?” he asked shyly. She had never seen him so vulnerable.499Please respect copyright.PENANA3Z3Cgqb1BF
499Please respect copyright.PENANAnM8hR47Zj9
"So, have you ever been to France before?" Shaheera asked, hoping to steer the conversation to a more pleasant topic.499Please respect copyright.PENANAYzaXWjqgbI
499Please respect copyright.PENANAwd0oJ7zuzf
"No, this will be my first time," Hasan replied, his voice a bit tense. "I'm looking forward to exploring a new country, though."499Please respect copyright.PENANAUOyXL7ZvvX
499Please respect copyright.PENANAwFWvCbYODM
"That's great! France is beautiful, and I'm sure you'll love it," Shaheera said warmly. "We have some exciting plans lined up for the conference and a bit of sightseeing, too."499Please respect copyright.PENANASrFh9HDK1G
499Please respect copyright.PENANAnXln9yVa7Q
Hasan nodded, trying to focus on the positive aspects of the trip. "Yes, I've heard that the conference is going to be quite interesting. I'm looking forward to it."499Please respect copyright.PENANAe1vFCCtbTV
499Please respect copyright.PENANAE7u7aZGqnF
As the flight progressed, Shaheera kept the conversation light and engaging, talking about their travel experiences and sharing funny anecdotes from previous trips. She cracked jokes and teased Hasan playfully, trying to make him laugh.499Please respect copyright.PENANAPZfBWMOkBl
499Please respect copyright.PENANA7yGdz0G4wW
"You know, Hasan, I heard that airplanes are statistically safer than cars. So, technically, we're in good hands!" Shaheera said with a smirk.499Please respect copyright.PENANA1eMzt9qXQr
499Please respect copyright.PENANAcdZ8uJjitk
Hasan couldn't help but chuckle, "I suppose you're right. I'll just have to trust in the statistics."499Please respect copyright.PENANA5YMLcuI6XH
499Please respect copyright.PENANA99HPvANncd
"That's the spirit!" Shaheera exclaimed, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.499Please respect copyright.PENANA5W0KA5fbZp
499Please respect copyright.PENANAMYq5NPZtAd
As the flight continued, Shaheera and Hasan chatted about their favorite foods, music, and hobbies, discovering shared interests and laughing at each other's quirks.499Please respect copyright.PENANAeIcJAicxkR
499Please respect copyright.PENANAbmiPSIDR3t
"By the time we land, you'll forget all about your fear of flying," Shaheera said confidently, giving him a wink.499Please respect copyright.PENANAEyIAkYO8a5
499Please respect copyright.PENANAVCTxfmACHy
Hasan smiled genuinely, "I have to admit, you're quite the distraction. Thanks for keeping me company."499Please respect copyright.PENANAcAGFHTvRnY
499Please respect copyright.PENANAWvStTReGwe
"It's my pleasure," Shaheera replied warmly. "We're in this together, and I won't let you feel anxious alone."499Please respect copyright.PENANAV3b5HlYkSj
499Please respect copyright.PENANAXiWq0BsL5J
With Shaheera's humor and support, the flight that once seemed daunting became more bearable for Hasan. He found himself enjoying their conversation, forgetting about his fear, if only for a little while.499Please respect copyright.PENANADX8jfBvGUc
499Please respect copyright.PENANASEW40LG9IY
Time seemed to fly by as they exchanged stories and laughter, the hours on the plane passing by in a blur of meaningful conversations. Shaheera felt a newfound connection with Hasan, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.499Please respect copyright.PENANAHMqrhqBV6s
499Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3A7fHYyeI
As they flew towards the border of Switzerland, the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. The beauty of the moment was not lost on Shaheera, and she couldn't help but share the view with Hasan.499Please respect copyright.PENANAQZT8VlenLR
499Please respect copyright.PENANA3v9DWlMbXh
"Look outside, Hasan. The sunset is breathtaking," she said, pointing to the window.499Please respect copyright.PENANANoeGLiQlya
499Please respect copyright.PENANAO7i5eenTkm
Hasan followed her gaze and admired the scenery. "It's stunning," he replied softly looking back at her, not sure if the compliment was for the vue or her.499Please respect copyright.PENANAr8lHAVrcfb
499Please respect copyright.PENANAxmWMG1mnaE
Shaheera blushed, feeling her heart skip a beat at his words. The playful teasing and professional facade seemed to have dissolved, leaving behind a tender connection that was impossible to ignore.499Please respect copyright.PENANAZcCLC2rvYc
499Please respect copyright.PENANAnORek2BbXh
The plane's tires gently touched the tarmac as it landed at the airport in France, near the Switzerland border. Shaheera, Thomas, Rima, Mark, and Hasan disembarked, the excitement of the trip still lingering in the air. Amidst the joyful chatter of her friends and colleagues, Hasan remained quiet, his mind preoccupied with thoughts he dared not express.499Please respect copyright.PENANAXyRUb3cWmZ
499Please respect copyright.PENANAnI2L4Hky03
As they made their way through the airport, Mark detached himself from the group and approached Hasan with a friendly smile. For a moment, Hasan wondered if Mark was the one Shaheera was promised to marry, his heart clenching at the thought. However, he pushed those thoughts aside, keeping his emotions hidden behind a stoic facade.499Please respect copyright.PENANAotfjlV1g6P
499Please respect copyright.PENANAH4o5INrA8B
The group gathered outside the airport, and a friendly taxi driver approached them, speaking rapidly in French. Hasan looked at him with a blank expression, not understanding a word. Shaheera came to the rescue, fluently conversing with the driver and providing the destination details of their hotel.499Please respect copyright.PENANAjtJZ2FOi1l
499Please respect copyright.PENANAIUhGBjF8Az
They split into two cars due to space constraints, and Hasan found himself in one with Thomas and Mark. Thomas expressed his delight at having Shaheera on the team, while Mark playfully teased that Thomas was lucky. Hasan listened in silence, the doubts he harbored growing stronger with each passing word.499Please respect copyright.PENANAExiM54g6YP
499Please respect copyright.PENANA1pXScjz5n7
“So,” he finally said out loud after long minutes of silence, “You and Shaheera are …” he waited for one of them to finish.499Please respect copyright.PENANA4sZjkPqGoM
499Please respect copyright.PENANAYLA1hsTOk2
“Oh no!” Mark finally said, laughing shyly, scratching the back of his head. “We’re just good friends, she supported me when I decided to convert. Nothing going on between us.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAcHRvyMs76F
499Please respect copyright.PENANAWQNXgoojN9
“But you wish!” Interrupted Thomas.499Please respect copyright.PENANANEyinbO1pW
499Please respect copyright.PENANAuiloU7ERlF
Their voices faded into the background as Hasan's thoughts consumed him. He couldn't help but wonder about the unspoken feelings between him and Shaheera. Still, he chose to remain silent, convinced that it was best to keep his emotions concealed.499Please respect copyright.PENANA9FE6c7bWun
499Please respect copyright.PENANAA4yTCfHFlg
The journey to their hotel was long and Hasan stayed reserved, his attention shifting between the interactions around him and the views outside the window. The Alps loomed in the distance, their majestic peaks seemingly mirroring the uncertainty he felt within.499Please respect copyright.PENANAX2sU5FoNwT
499Please respect copyright.PENANAMetTuopbOb
Arriving at the hotel, Hasan noticed Shaheera and Rima chatting animatedly as they entered the lobby. He admired Shaheera's energy and charm from afar, captivated by her presence.499Please respect copyright.PENANAmGMMJVYkVC
499Please respect copyright.PENANArHpebUghAk
As the hours passed, the group settled into their rooms, each preparing for a much-needed rest after the long journey. He couldn't deny the connection they shared, but fear held him back from expressing his feelings. And in this moment his mother was searching for him to marry. Someone he would share his life with.499Please respect copyright.PENANAmv5YLouxcm
499Please respect copyright.PENANA6WzW1abQJW
***499Please respect copyright.PENANAxwi4bhTFCf
499Please respect copyright.PENANAT5b5x6Z7Om
499Please respect copyright.PENANAZHJKrKEFEq
The conference preparation was in full swing, and Shaheera found herself working late into the night to ensure everything was ready for the big day. As the only one fluent in French, she took charge of handling all the intricate details of the event, making sure nothing was overlooked. After the long trip they had, all she wanted was to go to sleep and take a bath if she could.499Please respect copyright.PENANARQeNoJsPAp
499Please respect copyright.PENANAbsLCiQhmNv
The hotel receptionist seemed to be inattentive, and Shaheera was growing frustrated. She had reserved a specific room for the conference, and when she arrived to check on its setup, she found it messy and unclean.499Please respect copyright.PENANAVfVq9HKbZs
499Please respect copyright.PENANADeC61k0KYv
"Excuse me," Shaheera said, trying to keep her composure, "but this room was supposed to be cleaned and ready for the conference. We have just two days left!"499Please respect copyright.PENANA8MMBIDTa3G
499Please respect copyright.PENANAUDQi5NexNl
The receptionist glanced at her briefly before returning to whatever he was doing, seemingly uninterested.499Please respect copyright.PENANAtD2nm6MelL
499Please respect copyright.PENANACRvkg4j8w1
Hasan, who had been roaming restlessly outside the hotel lobby, unable to find sleep, noticed Shaheera at the reception desk, fervently discussing the situation.499Please respect copyright.PENANAjEEuMACxoK
499Please respect copyright.PENANAjAnPucTlIW
"What is she doing here at this hour?" Hasan wondered.499Please respect copyright.PENANAQlfKvZGtDp
499Please respect copyright.PENANAelWT7kSn0M
As he was about to step in and offer his help, Mark appeared out of nowhere and offered his assistance to Shaheera.499Please respect copyright.PENANAtWY1BmpZKh
499Please respect copyright.PENANANqwggdfgbH
"Hey, need a hand with something? I can help," Mark said with a cheerful smile.499Please respect copyright.PENANAW7TJMFU2AF
499Please respect copyright.PENANADyiBIFM9Qv
Shaheera looked thankful but declined politely, "Thank you, Mark, but it's okay. You should get some rest. I'll manage."499Please respect copyright.PENANAPyFXaAFhrA
499Please respect copyright.PENANA19Tr9mTIOD
Mark insisted playfully, "You sure? I'm here if you need anything."499Please respect copyright.PENANACI5KNC230x
499Please respect copyright.PENANA8gEuSnHYrs
"I appreciate it, but really, you should go and rest. I'll handle this," Shaheera assured him with a bitter smile.499Please respect copyright.PENANA60kNbbzN8K
499Please respect copyright.PENANA7llmJ5vzK0
Mark bid her goodnight and left, still unaware of Hasan's presence nearby. As soon as Mark disappeared, Hasan stepped forward, deciding it was his moment to intervene.499Please respect copyright.PENANA7ql3Y5qVDE
499Please respect copyright.PENANAOKTDDy06iB
"Hey, Shaheera, do you need any help?" Hasan asked softly.499Please respect copyright.PENANAKaaVFXAIbk
499Please respect copyright.PENANAsINxzcYTQU
Shaheera turned, surprised to see Hasan standing there. A smile lit up her face, "Hasan! It's good to see you. You know, you have a knack for showing up at just the right time."499Please respect copyright.PENANA0s3UwhElAu
499Please respect copyright.PENANAkvGacJxfUc
Hasan chuckled, "Really? No one's ever told me that I have good timing before."499Please respect copyright.PENANANxsMKF9eKh
499Please respect copyright.PENANAUH8ugDCHUf
"Well, I'm telling you now. You have perfect timing!" Shaheera said with a teasing glint in her eyes.499Please respect copyright.PENANAih3Cm3bDkj
499Please respect copyright.PENANAV0t4mGt2ky
They shared a laugh, and Hasan felt a sense of warmth in Shaheera's presence. The receptionist came back and explained to Shaheera the procedure and what the hotel could do for the room to be prepared in time. Hasan felt stupid. He had offered his help but with no French he was useless. he just states beside her, arms crosses, looking indifferent like he was always looking. the problem handled, they moved away from the reception desk, standing near a window overlooking the night-lit city.499Please respect copyright.PENANAVrrUDCBj6r
499Please respect copyright.PENANA1jO7bjWUMb
"You know," Shaheera began, her tone softer now, "I left France to come to Canada for a fresh start. It was a big decision, leaving everything behind, but I needed a change. It’s weird to come back."499Please respect copyright.PENANA04JKbcn1lF
499Please respect copyright.PENANANjcikfotzN
Hasan listened attentively, realizing that Shaheera was opening up about her past.499Please respect copyright.PENANATrJcP70aVJ
499Please respect copyright.PENANAhbEnfGiNXx
"Why did you choose Canada?" Hasan inquired with genuine curiosity.499Please respect copyright.PENANAOdl0nAY7OM
499Please respect copyright.PENANAGMVk181uRN
"I had always dreamt of experiencing life in a different country, and Canada seemed like the perfect place. It's diverse, welcoming, and has so much to offer," Shaheera explained thoughtfully. “And I love snow” she finished.499Please respect copyright.PENANA29629JnNlY
499Please respect copyright.PENANAGOpyYSC9r9
Hasan admired Shaheera's resilience and courage. He could see the determination in her eyes as she talked about her journey. However, when it came to sharing his own life story, he hesitated.499Please respect copyright.PENANANgLUqOGF5s
499Please respect copyright.PENANAksqq4l30qb
"You've adapted so well. It's admirable. And you know, I've never really went to Pakistan. I sometimes regret this decision" Hasan revealed with a hint of vulnerability.499Please respect copyright.PENANAOu3q9REO0F
499Please respect copyright.PENANAXHr18N8L6y
"Really? I bet it's an incredible place. You should consider traveling sometimes," Shaheera suggested warmly.499Please respect copyright.PENANACVTDOaskNB
499Please respect copyright.PENANAuAumI6Snbb
"Maybe I will, someday," Hasan replied, a faint smile playing on his lips, but he didn’t say more. They fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts and the night's tranquility.499Please respect copyright.PENANA1WQZa8CwUS
499Please respect copyright.PENANARcAf9UvjK5
“Commitment is a complicated thing,” she said. “But it’s a too deep conversation after the long day we had.”499Please respect copyright.PENANATne34Xt6xM
499Please respect copyright.PENANAocXxG3ebTS
“It’s fine”499Please respect copyright.PENANAq54hrqDkh1
499Please respect copyright.PENANAKA9YXUn9ns
She waited for him to keep the conversation going, but he kept silent and looked over the window. He wasn’t a talker. She smiled softly.499Please respect copyright.PENANADlIm8APYKH
499Please respect copyright.PENANAvtdVC9RykE
“So any family? I mean siblings?”499Please respect copyright.PENANAuf7RN9WdIf
499Please respect copyright.PENANAQvlAhhkXVx
“Little brother. He’s married and we’ll soon be a father.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAPkzUzoGzal
499Please respect copyright.PENANAShglXIzNHB
“Mash’Allah”499Please respect copyright.PENANAxbcDAHWt2n
499Please respect copyright.PENANArXbTpTSrTN
“And a big sis, you should meet her one day. She’ll like you.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAgpPVhOFGIf
499Please respect copyright.PENANAMXGTp8ufGM
“I’m sure I’ll reciprocate. No plan for a wedding?” She finally asked. Hasan eyes stopped their contemplation of the sky and went to her. This would have been the perfect moment to confess. But from what he heard from Jasra, she was engaged. And even though they knew each other for such a short time, all he wanted was to see her smile. either it was with him or not. He coughed a little, his eyes drifting back to the sky above.499Please respect copyright.PENANA00z1Gt5ytM
499Please respect copyright.PENANAtgTeAJDfoV
“Arranged marriage. My mother is looking for someone who could share my life,” he said in a low voice, almost like a whisper. To make it sound like a lie or a dream that was never real. because the person he wanted to learn about and marry was right beside him. “You? Any plan?” he asked innocently.499Please respect copyright.PENANAgMEDa58K37
499Please respect copyright.PENANAVukbJltfuE
“No weeding. Nothing on this topic for me. It’s alright, I know I’ll find the right person one day or another.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAfbG73fHJJa
499Please respect copyright.PENANAXConJMfjeY
Hasan thought he was falling for a second. She was not engaged? What did that witch of Jasra say? The weight of uncertainty that had been pressing on him since their encounter in the parking lot suddenly lifted, and a glimmer of hope sparked within him. He couldn't deny the rush of relief and excitement that washed over him, knowing that she was still available. But he kept his emotions carefully concealed, unsure of what the future held for them.499Please respect copyright.PENANAJowaC8C0rM
499Please respect copyright.PENANAvAHmNuwaPa
They shared a handfull of minutes and separated ways, wishing each other goodnight.499Please respect copyright.PENANA49RlfsTos3
499Please respect copyright.PENANANQL4FZBeV1
Hasan couldn't help but feel a growing fondness for Shaheera, appreciating her honesty and kindness. But he knew that their connection went beyond mere friendship, and he felt the pull of emotions that he was not yet ready to confront.
499Please respect copyright.PENANAzTevJfWQuq