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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAy28HzZA119
581Please respect copyright.PENANAVvRdPGyyxG
"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.581Please respect copyright.PENANASyQXj8kGm5
581Please respect copyright.PENANA6Nh3qNZbmJ
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."581Please respect copyright.PENANABJiAXyOWkD
581Please respect copyright.PENANAHE71PmZcDr
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?"581Please respect copyright.PENANAAg4MFL1eu0
581Please respect copyright.PENANAR0VDChwOt8
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."581Please respect copyright.PENANAA5rE6CsyaM
581Please respect copyright.PENANAifPdlCpTVj
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAg6cAjlIHiz
581Please respect copyright.PENANAEXhqwm65SW
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAXfDwcB0hsh
581Please respect copyright.PENANAB35hTtCnL4
“Be careful!” Jasra shouted from the window. “And come back with real chocolate! I can deal with the one they sell here.”581Please respect copyright.PENANADgjUR9TPwg
581Please respect copyright.PENANADy7KPG4kxX
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANALyELUv5E1x
581Please respect copyright.PENANA8XFw6DWjV8
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAE89nUx4j0r
581Please respect copyright.PENANAk5LGPpPXqq
“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.581Please respect copyright.PENANANiDJLqVXp4
“Well, I’m going to the conference. The same one you invited me.”581Please respect copyright.PENANAVI7aSmFxIS
581Please respect copyright.PENANA0jBVYQsqr9
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?”581Please respect copyright.PENANALcf9BVlDB4
581Please respect copyright.PENANAISiOHdogNc
"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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAg9OligemkK
581Please respect copyright.PENANAGRdIuPlUrQ
"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."581Please respect copyright.PENANA0gImgs3Y5c
581Please respect copyright.PENANASZxmHtIgCI
"It was the cheapest," Rima chimed in with a playful wink.581Please respect copyright.PENANAb5oiTGVEPU
581Please respect copyright.PENANAG0H9b8jx5W
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAkND1UCSYul
581Please respect copyright.PENANAaKTy70PAeO
“Scared of planes?” she asked in a low voice, leaning in the aisle.581Please respect copyright.PENANACXtTDIQjpu
581Please respect copyright.PENANAPG7ezb9r1E
“You’re not?” he answered his eyes still closed, head back.581Please respect copyright.PENANAdeqRBYT9cV
581Please respect copyright.PENANAa9qcJaCyl1
“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."581Please respect copyright.PENANAJECrmZIONp
581Please respect copyright.PENANAQwP1VaVvet
"Just a short flight, huh?" Hasan said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I guess you're right. I've flown many times before."581Please respect copyright.PENANAUNx09ICmFS
581Please respect copyright.PENANAGw7qBh0uRN
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAZReSASxURc
581Please respect copyright.PENANAxu06Ovi1wZ
“Just … Talk to me? If you don’t mind?” he asked shyly. She had never seen him so vulnerable.581Please respect copyright.PENANAFnrmvVVai2
581Please respect copyright.PENANAgEn5ycH1Zd
"So, have you ever been to France before?" Shaheera asked, hoping to steer the conversation to a more pleasant topic.581Please respect copyright.PENANAkJwUkndHEz
581Please respect copyright.PENANAvXd7mlbK3S
"No, this will be my first time," Hasan replied, his voice a bit tense. "I'm looking forward to exploring a new country, though."581Please respect copyright.PENANAMGl6PrBRD1
581Please respect copyright.PENANAetoL14Xd6r
"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."581Please respect copyright.PENANAS3DSaMkw7u
581Please respect copyright.PENANAoFUcAg2UNZ
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."581Please respect copyright.PENANAIpP7YjUy4o
581Please respect copyright.PENANAWdtlZtov79
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAp6T7ZcEnjL
581Please respect copyright.PENANAz9Yhgg46k3
"You know, Hasan, I heard that airplanes are statistically safer than cars. So, technically, we're in good hands!" Shaheera said with a smirk.581Please respect copyright.PENANARFFZauhiZ4
581Please respect copyright.PENANAEsxmA8dFo1
Hasan couldn't help but chuckle, "I suppose you're right. I'll just have to trust in the statistics."581Please respect copyright.PENANARqXhDv61xw
581Please respect copyright.PENANAZLwPLpucc6
"That's the spirit!" Shaheera exclaimed, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.581Please respect copyright.PENANAmLVPgPRAM9
581Please respect copyright.PENANAcDLW5DM7Hd
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAmA7monssnJ
581Please respect copyright.PENANAiPKXhph4D5
"By the time we land, you'll forget all about your fear of flying," Shaheera said confidently, giving him a wink.581Please respect copyright.PENANATY9BVuRp5A
581Please respect copyright.PENANAK3y0c5KZ8P
Hasan smiled genuinely, "I have to admit, you're quite the distraction. Thanks for keeping me company."581Please respect copyright.PENANAndbQAE64WI
581Please respect copyright.PENANAiMY8eJscZz
"It's my pleasure," Shaheera replied warmly. "We're in this together, and I won't let you feel anxious alone."581Please respect copyright.PENANAT9ZMzWDHn5
581Please respect copyright.PENANAgUwCmPmQF2
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAFsx70uXfig
581Please respect copyright.PENANAOy1pCETQ0O
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANATkPKEvCO9I
581Please respect copyright.PENANA80RNR49zgS
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAXdd4WdtJK9
581Please respect copyright.PENANAdxjf62t7Qx
"Look outside, Hasan. The sunset is breathtaking," she said, pointing to the window.581Please respect copyright.PENANAkiz6QlyTNz
581Please respect copyright.PENANAN7ZKJj01UW
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANADccNLlAz8S
581Please respect copyright.PENANAlWjp0yIo7j
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAwKQ2jDyFlf
581Please respect copyright.PENANA94abyIlVbT
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAccevsKWQNp
581Please respect copyright.PENANAfW750Xcymb
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAUbj2xBTKo9
581Please respect copyright.PENANAq9hr6nJ45S
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAQUWDQ4UET0
581Please respect copyright.PENANAHudFmuAmGn
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAdng3DbqJZu
581Please respect copyright.PENANAiYp2W436eb
“So,” he finally said out loud after long minutes of silence, “You and Shaheera are …” he waited for one of them to finish.581Please respect copyright.PENANA4RrH4zj1k2
581Please respect copyright.PENANAtarhxqoJEk
“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.”581Please respect copyright.PENANAJuuSKRseUN
581Please respect copyright.PENANAL2eih7ZSnu
“But you wish!” Interrupted Thomas.581Please respect copyright.PENANATT7Ny4nszL
581Please respect copyright.PENANA2O1NLDcb0h
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANA8JwXaocwja
581Please respect copyright.PENANAOnqzHBpPrJ
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAfU363B46T9
581Please respect copyright.PENANA2q8zIWDxkT
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAtbLv0hLLIc
581Please respect copyright.PENANAK0VkypE5v7
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAgFjCCkuQzX
581Please respect copyright.PENANAJL7Nll6aYe
***581Please respect copyright.PENANAs3HBn6Cruy
581Please respect copyright.PENANARHsmXkOJif
581Please respect copyright.PENANAu4iBr8PL4x
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANATzxQwLm1bU
581Please respect copyright.PENANAzXsoylEss2
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAd3L4FD7hUG
581Please respect copyright.PENANAafEMwvi6Tt
"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!"581Please respect copyright.PENANAmRDKstfzzg
581Please respect copyright.PENANAbkPOlCWHj9
The receptionist glanced at her briefly before returning to whatever he was doing, seemingly uninterested.581Please respect copyright.PENANAG87P670g3Y
581Please respect copyright.PENANAlPKlKTjRKY
Hasan, who had been roaming restlessly outside the hotel lobby, unable to find sleep, noticed Shaheera at the reception desk, fervently discussing the situation.581Please respect copyright.PENANA6FFVNH6IpW
581Please respect copyright.PENANAgdr1m4W9Vw
"What is she doing here at this hour?" Hasan wondered.581Please respect copyright.PENANARMLTCjvuaY
581Please respect copyright.PENANAzZ6yMO3oFM
As he was about to step in and offer his help, Mark appeared out of nowhere and offered his assistance to Shaheera.581Please respect copyright.PENANA2MWPaKX9nC
581Please respect copyright.PENANAXDxGJeMbF9
"Hey, need a hand with something? I can help," Mark said with a cheerful smile.581Please respect copyright.PENANAQnjTDg8gSv
581Please respect copyright.PENANAzFSYxvDTJF
Shaheera looked thankful but declined politely, "Thank you, Mark, but it's okay. You should get some rest. I'll manage."581Please respect copyright.PENANAe6k7Wb2Ubw
581Please respect copyright.PENANAH9zPxpfZHR
Mark insisted playfully, "You sure? I'm here if you need anything."581Please respect copyright.PENANAszcWcHQGrM
581Please respect copyright.PENANAqUMAYqYG6C
"I appreciate it, but really, you should go and rest. I'll handle this," Shaheera assured him with a bitter smile.581Please respect copyright.PENANAQHL5mxU5Q6
581Please respect copyright.PENANAJFfmr2KhsU
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAWkRCuAVzp0
581Please respect copyright.PENANAaoBezWbxja
"Hey, Shaheera, do you need any help?" Hasan asked softly.581Please respect copyright.PENANAVpUoOrM19r
581Please respect copyright.PENANACnJ5LCmMxy
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."581Please respect copyright.PENANAlQLIbnTan6
581Please respect copyright.PENANAH0yena9By2
Hasan chuckled, "Really? No one's ever told me that I have good timing before."581Please respect copyright.PENANAbFD8YXmpXx
581Please respect copyright.PENANAOD0atBhz1k
"Well, I'm telling you now. You have perfect timing!" Shaheera said with a teasing glint in her eyes.581Please respect copyright.PENANAuo68RvcdWx
581Please respect copyright.PENANA0FqincPTMm
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAv2XdIxuaNu
581Please respect copyright.PENANARCDIBKeLa6
"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."581Please respect copyright.PENANAFrWH4gS6Ea
581Please respect copyright.PENANA56TTEnkPCF
Hasan listened attentively, realizing that Shaheera was opening up about her past.581Please respect copyright.PENANAaiAln3kqDH
581Please respect copyright.PENANAzRlOMo7St3
"Why did you choose Canada?" Hasan inquired with genuine curiosity.581Please respect copyright.PENANAAzoN6tVxVT
581Please respect copyright.PENANASQkkrFSl0W
"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.581Please respect copyright.PENANA2UbXmK3uyK
581Please respect copyright.PENANAAyiua7kvqh
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAkzCCmzHJrl
581Please respect copyright.PENANAK3HyJWg2JZ
"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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAGK9IL44IRR
581Please respect copyright.PENANAn52788hUD1
"Really? I bet it's an incredible place. You should consider traveling sometimes," Shaheera suggested warmly.581Please respect copyright.PENANAsfg9xGtUSB
581Please respect copyright.PENANAVk7TJC0PwR
"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.581Please respect copyright.PENANA2If6JumgX8
581Please respect copyright.PENANAXmqJ5PDlzp
“Commitment is a complicated thing,” she said. “But it’s a too deep conversation after the long day we had.”581Please respect copyright.PENANAEJkG1CqpF1
581Please respect copyright.PENANAeuRB6QLaMM
“It’s fine”581Please respect copyright.PENANAHG4fdUBkTe
581Please respect copyright.PENANAanA2D8vue8
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAiEDytcAraI
581Please respect copyright.PENANAdUK5nt3aB1
“So any family? I mean siblings?”581Please respect copyright.PENANA0yNe3wQIrx
581Please respect copyright.PENANAJJpQyG58n9
“Little brother. He’s married and we’ll soon be a father.”581Please respect copyright.PENANApLnUy55SFL
581Please respect copyright.PENANAtVsQ54VPUO
“Mash’Allah”581Please respect copyright.PENANANgIGqmiwBP
581Please respect copyright.PENANAodhpmYpd4o
“And a big sis, you should meet her one day. She’ll like you.”581Please respect copyright.PENANAOulacHFFU8
581Please respect copyright.PENANA4FDUCMvYGC
“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.581Please respect copyright.PENANATNTmXdNgjR
581Please respect copyright.PENANADhTaQXwKFV
“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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAh1Pv37Mlys
581Please respect copyright.PENANAPohYvo5mfJ
“No weeding. Nothing on this topic for me. It’s alright, I know I’ll find the right person one day or another.”581Please respect copyright.PENANAOCr0e5GjjZ
581Please respect copyright.PENANABFOWLF4tnm
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.581Please respect copyright.PENANAr3tG8gSvVm
581Please respect copyright.PENANATBEU0Ey2ad
They shared a handfull of minutes and separated ways, wishing each other goodnight.581Please respect copyright.PENANAIWEkHJf593
581Please respect copyright.PENANApRQpzaBRQw
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.
581Please respect copyright.PENANAlofIE0zXFu