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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA3GDXNpeAkf
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"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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAJr8uaFDWok
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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."254Please respect copyright.PENANA5GtFCgGIho
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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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAsvkdLUj1Fk
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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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAZXTO5xZ9Wi
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAr0kVzFciLl
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA6ZYaRobLc8
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“Be careful!” Jasra shouted from the window. “And come back with real chocolate! I can deal with the one they sell here.”254Please respect copyright.PENANA3gZfvalyGr
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAztdoolJG6V
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANArvX6QcWy1q
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“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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAi4okxc5IMP
“Well, I’m going to the conference. The same one you invited me.”254Please respect copyright.PENANA8aWau2fjiD
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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?”254Please respect copyright.PENANAHydSdUsIaI
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"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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAuytffDL0xe
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"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAmKJUyvjZGd
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"It was the cheapest," Rima chimed in with a playful wink.254Please respect copyright.PENANAqImkXlKVcx
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA72BMCipSWI
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“Scared of planes?” she asked in a low voice, leaning in the aisle.254Please respect copyright.PENANAUabjx2GKjj
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“You’re not?” he answered his eyes still closed, head back.254Please respect copyright.PENANAP5k8f4Rb37
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“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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAJRo5whXVH1
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"Just a short flight, huh?" Hasan said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I guess you're right. I've flown many times before."254Please respect copyright.PENANA9eQfwwfjVD
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAUFqPQnaU24
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“Just … Talk to me? If you don’t mind?” he asked shyly. She had never seen him so vulnerable.254Please respect copyright.PENANAM5B88KSFAM
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"So, have you ever been to France before?" Shaheera asked, hoping to steer the conversation to a more pleasant topic.254Please respect copyright.PENANAjtMC4M0HLQ
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"No, this will be my first time," Hasan replied, his voice a bit tense. "I'm looking forward to exploring a new country, though."254Please respect copyright.PENANA05R9lJsLJc
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"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANADuehuLfYEL
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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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAswn3q1iEvA
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANANjUYRdoMH0
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"You know, Hasan, I heard that airplanes are statistically safer than cars. So, technically, we're in good hands!" Shaheera said with a smirk.254Please respect copyright.PENANALaHLgnE1lw
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Hasan couldn't help but chuckle, "I suppose you're right. I'll just have to trust in the statistics."254Please respect copyright.PENANAWcTX9xNuSs
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"That's the spirit!" Shaheera exclaimed, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.254Please respect copyright.PENANAZdB43cbPAI
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANARRNhsfQJPg
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"By the time we land, you'll forget all about your fear of flying," Shaheera said confidently, giving him a wink.254Please respect copyright.PENANAbNxbm8JBuE
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Hasan smiled genuinely, "I have to admit, you're quite the distraction. Thanks for keeping me company."254Please respect copyright.PENANAAJ9GiMszxA
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"It's my pleasure," Shaheera replied warmly. "We're in this together, and I won't let you feel anxious alone."254Please respect copyright.PENANA8rgx98dLo4
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAopI0OTR03h
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAxBAwioFwjJ
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAegyGOPtDX9
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"Look outside, Hasan. The sunset is breathtaking," she said, pointing to the window.254Please respect copyright.PENANA279YD4TmUT
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA5mmGFrN44R
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAomXowBJzUs
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAhSyKjRX1TU
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAxW7IALTDhB
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAoaVjQsVZG4
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAFTTj44fGfj
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“So,” he finally said out loud after long minutes of silence, “You and Shaheera are …” he waited for one of them to finish.254Please respect copyright.PENANAbDusGBTTjB
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“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.”254Please respect copyright.PENANAF209ceZBgh
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“But you wish!” Interrupted Thomas.254Please respect copyright.PENANAx9LRaTqYyT
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAYAjTyYiNGP
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAhFvFkTKBOa
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAnqTy3U733f
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAsMm490v6pr
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA0vkKdpYu5b
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAwF02l3Xq7b
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"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!"254Please respect copyright.PENANAY7bSz3pztO
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The receptionist glanced at her briefly before returning to whatever he was doing, seemingly uninterested.254Please respect copyright.PENANA1iLhoM3B37
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Hasan, who had been roaming restlessly outside the hotel lobby, unable to find sleep, noticed Shaheera at the reception desk, fervently discussing the situation.254Please respect copyright.PENANAjqaqvJcmcA
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"What is she doing here at this hour?" Hasan wondered.254Please respect copyright.PENANAsATd2AsDU9
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As he was about to step in and offer his help, Mark appeared out of nowhere and offered his assistance to Shaheera.254Please respect copyright.PENANAHfhN8aMcED
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"Hey, need a hand with something? I can help," Mark said with a cheerful smile.254Please respect copyright.PENANAQC7MbIYBc3
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Shaheera looked thankful but declined politely, "Thank you, Mark, but it's okay. You should get some rest. I'll manage."254Please respect copyright.PENANAaW7llhyEJh
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Mark insisted playfully, "You sure? I'm here if you need anything."254Please respect copyright.PENANAPbnEG0t3CO
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"I appreciate it, but really, you should go and rest. I'll handle this," Shaheera assured him with a bitter smile.254Please respect copyright.PENANAKOpZdVfpw2
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA1s7StJesvx
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"Hey, Shaheera, do you need any help?" Hasan asked softly.254Please respect copyright.PENANAJpiyfkfgO9
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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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAd8WnnxfiGh
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Hasan chuckled, "Really? No one's ever told me that I have good timing before."254Please respect copyright.PENANAsPKaISbQed
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"Well, I'm telling you now. You have perfect timing!" Shaheera said with a teasing glint in her eyes.254Please respect copyright.PENANAkt0l64GfGN
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA31Zb6sLxJq
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"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAWcSAPRCgbn
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Hasan listened attentively, realizing that Shaheera was opening up about her past.254Please respect copyright.PENANAoYsauJiXKe
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"Why did you choose Canada?" Hasan inquired with genuine curiosity.254Please respect copyright.PENANAoRFxWaP5kh
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"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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA0y2Rix3TVq
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAfcqFcLKkPy
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"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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAHST33h36Cf
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"Really? I bet it's an incredible place. You should consider traveling sometimes," Shaheera suggested warmly.254Please respect copyright.PENANAOPVzuPJ3ri
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"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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA6J3X7ELqdI
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“Commitment is a complicated thing,” she said. “But it’s a too deep conversation after the long day we had.”254Please respect copyright.PENANASkC1HrYJ3H
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“It’s fine”254Please respect copyright.PENANAtjzJCEBKA0
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAfBkjWAbXsA
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“So any family? I mean siblings?”254Please respect copyright.PENANA5VvbeaPvIU
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“Little brother. He’s married and we’ll soon be a father.”254Please respect copyright.PENANAXKQcRtl4X6
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“Mash’Allah”254Please respect copyright.PENANAgvSxaKdAOo
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“And a big sis, you should meet her one day. She’ll like you.”254Please respect copyright.PENANAhX4MmvHUTv
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“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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAW4ci5qCaxK
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“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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAHOTCBQg3uP
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“No weeding. Nothing on this topic for me. It’s alright, I know I’ll find the right person one day or another.”254Please respect copyright.PENANAdxVcYSicqX
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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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAvijxyHmQTQ
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They shared a handfull of minutes and separated ways, wishing each other goodnight.254Please respect copyright.PENANA0ZODwVGdIj
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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.
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