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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdoHzfFMrk
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnuPj7QAro
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHG1LF2LFD
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w5F2EFVTd
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZB76VUcwo
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k6XB5M0Bs
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0g8KnfTyY
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0dhDwGE1c
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhLUFIxXjH
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"Eid Mubarak, Mark!" Shaheera replied, her voice filled with cheer. "Thank you for inviting me."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf3XI15qI6
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They settled into their seats, and as they perused the menu; conversation started.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDbUy91JRj
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1zpfn7ndN
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0OPe26aVT
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1aBINw3p4
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswywgV4h6O
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT4CIqNfkE
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0zqDFwMQQ
"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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmGjpfwkT8
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe6RYRUJVz
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1JRIIcZ4p
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh5t01nvHv
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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw7wvB828n
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIQxfApD2k
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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6akHnNy0B3
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OcEdhjHBi
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpb1uOWQ3K
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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5iXL2bhJi
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8EXBDezrv
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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0n4iPbYUN
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfby4ZJWlSp
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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!432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfLlZgh11a
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Dear Shaheera,432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpnbQv7J15
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Eid Mubarak to you as well! I must say, I didn't expect an email for you concerning the conference.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDwvN4kpHu
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC0o1jOdyf
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMA86Ciss6
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn4dpXt8Mx
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIJzrJUI9I
Warm regards,432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtzheftriQ
Hasan432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ds1FyULzj
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA66vtbmCwN
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Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kn8q4ZtpB
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Dear Hasan,432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKZuvkCQko
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Nb7VsH5eP
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi6B6kG5u9
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqfo72h7jU
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Warmest regards,432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnibFTvToOa
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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTif9uGFOPn
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmRi4IAMQs
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwPBsfV09A
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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzOCGyXtnj
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVwGl7FYvH
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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF74tricZe
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoKm02xL62
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OjyrVcyUw
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5iUDgi7d8
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Rima raised an eyebrow playfully. "Come on, spill the beans! What's on your mind?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3LAVwe2c3
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FFWigZS6K
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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?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnDgOyjjhH
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz1oWVIF7E
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Rima's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Marriage, huh? That sounds interesting. Any prospects on the horizon?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EZx9b2Swo
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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."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn7yYV9UV9
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVo3sSWOQe
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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?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VsJZwhR66
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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?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BK1Z6HDJx
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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.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYJvxldqAK
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K05i2VuHi
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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