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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPZ5QEQ5sZ
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM6dtIuGWY
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAu8Veh51X
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7rpplvTQI
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFyYImTWzd
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvPLzYVGbG
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIuXs1xQiG
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA7tgasXFz
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bJIvSbj45
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"Eid Mubarak, Mark!" Shaheera replied, her voice filled with cheer. "Thank you for inviting me."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ834glvcWZo
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They settled into their seats, and as they perused the menu; conversation started.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb84kUAJEd
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEbJ5I0sRo
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ehisR5w18
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6G1ZAfqPj
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAX4LLK4le
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx4sBRmZsc
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOKyoRHUIS
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQz7OUYHMd
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCF6wdqWTu
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvKhAZN2C6
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ROsz29r4j
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ejg51IRv3
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMERl9CfcNE
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VEt23N7LB
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqZ599Jpcr
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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!690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhndhjnZQY
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Dear Shaheera,690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FNxtkx8pA
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Eid Mubarak to you as well! I must say, I didn't expect an email for you concerning the conference.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4cxMf5WLr
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGAwExMk37
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyOutkGC5b
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLvmJqOdxn
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Warm regards,690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP1vLJeLOE
Hasan690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FPqftLs5W
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJvDMGa4xp
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Subject: Re: Invitation to the Conference - Eid Mubarak!690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGEgCDeS4F
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Dear Hasan,690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoHnpHsANH
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQtcVTMQDg
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDri7m36zi
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoEj7JKSJI
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Warmest regards,690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AHylucJxJ
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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCaLZLx6jW
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4osH2I6qt
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgsFik284f
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzgUae3uR6
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6Wzw9tssc
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtGFWE5v4y
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiuG1isd91
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Rima raised an eyebrow playfully. "Come on, spill the beans! What's on your mind?"690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCes3y1cK0
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOiZwDxKfi
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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?"690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TLOM6vOhI
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp1wk7ngsU
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Rima's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Marriage, huh? That sounds interesting. Any prospects on the horizon?"690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi05z0kqYw
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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."690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUhVFiq3SL
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6qERiZX05
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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?"690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7qSHneZDD
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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?"690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxHTXePFwq
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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.690Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80jSNKIA1s
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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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and then Add to home screen.