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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpzFRPXUvy
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPvYUFxS6d
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdw79rcVhv
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ2BHgLgxS
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunNyoNdsb9
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyEl5o6FwB
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9g9UPV5oy
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAmSYNxwjA
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01cMVZOq73
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"Eid Mubarak, Mark!" Shaheera replied, her voice filled with cheer. "Thank you for inviting me."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCnU87xeL2
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They settled into their seats, and as they perused the menu; conversation started.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm787APNMi3
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeWTp1bP7U
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZgtFC8XU3
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqNkLDRxr5
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNM2MKgTGV
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBnzk90oWO
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpo2gdf20E
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhE0zP3Xr6
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXvwR1MzXy
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG2QeCi545
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPOAbQGOP5
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHDsZfqGy4
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6C80SjC1a
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxecCQp2Xw1
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTaf6mC1Il
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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!414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvkU5M45GX
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Dear Shaheera,414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2XKmxuN52
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Eid Mubarak to you as well! I must say, I didn't expect an email for you concerning the conference.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyS9NsHCcc
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkfZQ1LrdV
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjlTOA0L7S
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNLTubBsxY
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Warm regards,414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIIVPIbcSx
Hasan414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSIiEpYQIm
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQqLJi2OhI
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Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87QL560hKd
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Dear Hasan,414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODiS32SRhG
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FG8SLwlcs
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLUrCjnrug
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPjCrYsdph
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Warmest regards,414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra3ONmR6OR
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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxsVTU1ubQ
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbEl1lstMX
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsCn8f6UvE
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JYolL8OHq
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTRqBiJcfe
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu6uH5tBSJ
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28OUA68jLE
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Rima raised an eyebrow playfully. "Come on, spill the beans! What's on your mind?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLmxUHQntj
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ5IsSezFZ
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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?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWajm3PETv5
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pE5vmfKwo
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Rima's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Marriage, huh? That sounds interesting. Any prospects on the horizon?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhTbtmpWWG
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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."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1KNCk6giL
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMGpfLhHiF
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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?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpLKyzJdP2
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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?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG7kxIp4DF
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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.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgak6MTyGKN
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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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