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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9b0B9cJPl
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytUI5gBOkr
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNgZd3Pq5y
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh9OIMRdUS
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3xWYZHDoV
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdUwNuubPO
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xw3ysq8s1
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ8nKwKn9C
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"Hey, Shaheera! Eid Mubarak!" Mark greeted, his eyes lighting up with joy. He putted a hand on his heart as a sign of welcome.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EPlf5INWH
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"Eid Mubarak, Mark!" Shaheera replied, her voice filled with cheer. "Thank you for inviting me."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlSn1NtT6o
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They settled into their seats, and as they perused the menu; conversation started.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4NkPAgUgF
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"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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrZ9yS0UCJ
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadDvjWv8JE
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrxO8jQTmC
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrCfXYGE6y
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ315UlWhbIL
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"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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtptDbAI43
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFdMIkQfJf
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG7MT6dZoW
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuTxT3DaUB
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYYCKuBCmt
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbvl9WXiIy
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9PRQm0fio
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tA57aMluZ
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN6MfpMHYG
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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.
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Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQsK2j4fiz
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Dear Shaheera,369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRRG0SBYCI
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Eid Mubarak to you as well! I must say, I didn't expect an email for you concerning the conference.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMWMyNEV25
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk05JVgca8
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKxP91MC6T
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFc7Zo4wt2
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Warm regards,369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LE91jhvvZ
Hasan369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzdcw3nviQ
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8VJpQjaUJ
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Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gZeOTjAcK
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Dear Hasan,369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsi9bG4w7W
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrudVcU0UO8
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKc5GCxQ7o
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVot7lYit5e
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Warmest regards,369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc4n4stkTL
Shaheera, aka "The pain" roommate.
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBy2P0yXvs
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk5OLPtBg5
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyegjWH12qV
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvt8puGY6m
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"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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfjubpieVj
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODIqGnACmx
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkpES2HpOO
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Rima raised an eyebrow playfully. "Come on, spill the beans! What's on your mind?"369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1JYgcykAP
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IzYr7FLKJ
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Mark, who had been quietly listening, chimed in with a sly grin. "Personal stuff, huh? Could it be related to someone special?"369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcEMkKtpv4
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Shaheera blushed, trying to maintain a nonchalant facade. "Oh, nothing like that. It's just some family discussions about marriage and plans."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoa9bVBs6d
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Rima's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Marriage, huh? That sounds interesting. Any prospects on the horizon?"369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7X6HVZj9t
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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."369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9I7WsZrvA
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkNYXWiWvd
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Rima's excitement was palpable as she teased, "Hmm, I wonder who he's talking about. Someone in this office, perhaps?"369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NZDg5d7pv
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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?"369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPOSPp4m4A
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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.369Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIGZeVQctq
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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.
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