The night was draped in darkness as Shaheera paced back and forth in her living room, phone pressed to her ear. On the other end of the line was Jasra, who had managed to forget her keys once again. 661Please respect copyright.PENANAz5aAO8Sq1n
"Jasra, seriously? Again? How many times will I have to do this?" Shaheera sighed, trying to suppress her annoyance.661Please respect copyright.PENANAMi7fIxGV8s
"Yeah, I know, I'm hopeless! No need to say it again, I need you to come or you can just wait until I finish my shift and open the door." Jasra replied with a sheepish laugh. "But hey, you're my savior, remember? My knight in shining armor!"661Please respect copyright.PENANA327ayuvtJz
"Jasra, you end your shift at 5 Am.” 661Please respect copyright.PENANABJmYrcJMgh
“One more reason to come.”661Please respect copyright.PENANALw5JPLIanm
“Ugh, fine. I'll come and get your keys, but you owe me one, okay?"661Please respect copyright.PENANAp2gEakt0m8
"Deal! You're the best, Shaheera!"661Please respect copyright.PENANA5v27vGfKsA
As she hung up the phone, she couldn't help but chuckle. Despite the playful bickering, she knew that she would always be there for Jasra, just as Jasra would be there for her. Shaheera grabbed her car keys and made her way outside. The hospital where Jasra worked was a short drive away, but as she attempted to park her car in the dimly lit parking lot, she found herself struggling with the task.661Please respect copyright.PENANAFSmJ8sh9ox
"Come on, Shaheera, you've parked a car a million times before," she mumbled to herself, frustration evident in her voice.661Please respect copyright.PENANAVtTyo7xGMz
After a few unsuccessful attempts, Shaheera abandoned the parking spot in exasperation. It was a good thing the lot was mostly empty at this late hour, sparing her from embarrassment. As she stepped out of her car, grumbling under her breath, a figure emerged from the shadows, causing her heart to leap in surprise. It was Hasan.661Please respect copyright.PENANAt874wyO7uG
“Dear God, you scared the shit out of me,” she said a hand on her heart. 661Please respect copyright.PENANAVTWuv8T3en
"Shaheera, is that you? Are you alright?" Hasan asked, his voice tinged with concern. But he rapidly smiled, seeing how scared she had been. Her heart skipped a bit. His face looked like he wasn’t used to smiling much. 661Please respect copyright.PENANAYhUswmJgcR
Shaheera's heart rate slowed as she recognized the familiar voice. “Yeah, I'm fine. Just having some trouble with my parking skills tonight, it seems."661Please respect copyright.PENANAZ48Ooh6APs
Hasan chuckled again softly. "It happens to the best of us. You should have seen me during my first few driving lessons."661Please respect copyright.PENANAsm5meNjSci
Shaheera smiled, feeling more at ease in his presence. "Thanks for the reassurance, but I’ve been driving for over five years now. I was starting to think my car had a personal vendetta against me. But let’s be honest I’m just a horrible driver."661Please respect copyright.PENANAyRIYOLbpC0
"You know, I was about to offer my parking services, but it seems you've got it all figured out," Hasan teased, playfully raising an eyebrow.661Please respect copyright.PENANAFliohIpxzp
"Ha, very funny," Shaheera retorted with a grin. "Well, since you're here, would you mind doing me a favor?"661Please respect copyright.PENANAtoCd1NiwYX
Hasan tilted his head, curious. "Of course, what can I do for you?"661Please respect copyright.PENANALiseFY32Kv
"My dear friend Jasra managed to forget her keys at home again. I was on my way to get them when the parking lot decided to challenge me. Could you please give it to her me?" she asked, hoping he wouldn't mind the small errand.661Please respect copyright.PENANAJD637S6YEc
Hasan nodded with a warm smile. "Sure, I can do that. Consider it done."661Please respect copyright.PENANArEcvFxtSow
"Thank you, Hasan. You're a lifesaver!" Shaheera said gratefully.661Please respect copyright.PENANA6XdJrbDvQ3
As they stood there, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Shaheera couldn't help but feel a sense of ease around Hasan as if she could be herself without any pretense. Shaheera wanted to ask him why he suddenly stopped messaging her. Did she do something? Had she said something? 661Please respect copyright.PENANAwl3bt4GxHT
"So, how are you finding the preparations for the conference?" Hasan asked, breaking the silence. So he’s the one starting the subject, she thought.661Please respect copyright.PENANAJA0INDiKk2
"Oh, it's been a whirlwind, but I'm excited. I can't wait to meet everyone and see how everything comes together," she replied, her excitement evident in her voice.661Please respect copyright.PENANABecAQztFSn
Hasan nodded. "I'm looking forward to it too. It's been a while since I attended a conference, and this one seems particularly promising."661Please respect copyright.PENANAK4wWv4bh90
Shaheera smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Hasan. "It'll be a great event, I'm sure. And... well, I'm looking forward to meeting you too, in person."661Please respect copyright.PENANAeNA9yznsWh
Their eyes locked for a moment, and Shaheera could feel the connection between them deepen. But as quickly as the moment came, she felt a tinge of self-consciousness. They had just met, and she didn't want to let things get too comfortable or familiar.661Please respect copyright.PENANAXQnydCyD8N
With a hint of shyness, she spoke up. "I should probably get going. Thanks again for helping me with the keys, Hasan."661Please respect copyright.PENANAY7vtWMTMbo
"It was my pleasure," Hasan replied warmly. "I'll make sure Jasra gets them safe and sound. See you at the conference."661Please respect copyright.PENANArBDP7b01gU
"See you then," Shaheera replied, offering him a small wave before turning to leave.661Please respect copyright.PENANAtjxs0rwwDl
As she walked away, her heart felt both light and heavy. She was drawn to Hasan's warmth and kindness, and yet, she knew that she had to be cautious. This wasn’t the type of love she needed. The one to give you goosebumps and chills. She needed love like what she shared with Mark. Something peaceful. Like a … Friendship?661Please respect copyright.PENANAqqEVNJvaP2
***661Please respect copyright.PENANAGYcxpVFF82
The hospital was abuzz with activity as Hasan continued his shift, attending to patients and carrying out his responsibilities as a radiologist. Despite the busy environment, his mind kept drifting back to the encounter with Shaheera earlier that evening.661Please respect copyright.PENANA1Y0RCsThWS
He couldn't help but replay their conversations in his mind, the way they had laughed together and the ease with which they had connected. He found himself captivated by her warm, expressive eyes and the way her smile seemed to light up the room. She had worn a simple blue abaya, proof she didn’t plan to leave the house. the color looked exquisite on her light skin tone. 661Please respect copyright.PENANAz5kjg0yUCI
But alongside the excitement, a nagging feeling of guilt crept into his heart. Hasan was a devout Muslim, and he knew that he should be cautious with his emotions, especially when it came to interactions with women. While he had never been one to engage in casual flirtations or meaningless relationships, there was something different about Shaheera that stirred feelings he had not experienced before.661Please respect copyright.PENANAvaPXo1L5er
As he continued with his duties, Hasan tried to focus on the tasks at hand, pushing the thoughts of Shaheera to the back of his mind. He attended to his patients with professionalism and dedication that had earned him respect among his colleagues. He was known for being serious and composed, and he didn't want anyone to suspect the turmoil he was feeling within.661Please respect copyright.PENANAxsZTX4quSK
But as the night wore on, he found it increasingly difficult to push Shaheera from his thoughts. He recalled their email exchange, the way they had exchanged pleasantries and succeeded to keep a casual tone. Despite the professional nature of their communication, he couldn't ignore the underlying current of connection and camaraderie.661Please respect copyright.PENANAcqprx0Fqif
Hasan couldn't deny the longing he felt to speak to her again, to hear her voice and share their thoughts and experiences. But he also knew that he had to be careful, maintain a respectful distance, and uphold the boundaries prescribed by his faith.661Please respect copyright.PENANA7TZesl8Vd0
As he made his rounds through the hospital, he spotted Jasra in the hallway, deep in conversation with a colleague. He hesitated for a moment but the sight of Jasra reminded him of the favor he had done for Shaheera—to return her keys.661Please respect copyright.PENANA8M4K5Eo7j9
Summoning up the courage, Hasan walked over to Jasra, who looked up and raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What do you want now, Hasan?"661Please respect copyright.PENANAiToUqjWXrd
"I found your friend in the parking lot earlier. She asked me to give you this." Hasan replied, holding up the keychain.661Please respect copyright.PENANABlyVX9wj1p
Jasra snatched the keys from his hand, her expression still skeptical. "And why would you bother returning them? Are you trying to score some points with her or something?"661Please respect copyright.PENANA3ynaku7SFS
Hasan chuckled, feeling a tinge of annoyance at Jasra's accusation. "No, it's simply the right thing to do."661Please respect copyright.PENANArH3IdvcAXL
Jasra rolled her eyes, not bothering to argue further. "Whatever. Thanks for returning them, I guess."661Please respect copyright.PENANALlFRBiBClg
"You're welcome," Hasan replied, trying to keep the conversation civil.661Please respect copyright.PENANArryoFbV5JP
But as they continued talking, Jasra couldn't resist taking a playful jab at him. "You know, Hasan, Shaheera is quite the catch. Wedding is ready to be announced. Her husband is going to be a lucky man."661Please respect copyright.PENANAzpIKTBPu1y
Hasan's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Shaheera finding a husband. For a moment, he let himself believe Jasra's teasing remark, imagining what it would be like to be the one by Shaheera's side. But he quickly brushed aside the thought, knowing that it was just a joke and that he couldn't let himself entertain such fantasies.661Please respect copyright.PENANAFA3AL9wIHY
He managed a small nod, hiding the emotions that threatened to surface. "Well, she certainly deserves someone who appreciates her for who she is."661Please respect copyright.PENANA7srTx5GzWn
Jasra nodded, her expression softening. "You're right about that."661Please respect copyright.PENANAYZgt27x8yx
Hasan agreed, “Hmm,"661Please respect copyright.PENANAdhlzE4GFXU
As they parted ways, Hasan couldn't help but feel a sense of turmoil inside him. He knew that he had to be careful, to guard his heart and keep his feelings in check. Shaheera deserved someone who would cherish and respect her, and he wanted to be that person. But it looked like she was already taken and preparing for her wedding. 661Please respect copyright.PENANAuFnpU3bIDq
He would keep his emotions to himself, content with the connection they had found. He knew that he had to let fate take its course and trust that the journey they were on would lead to the right destination. 661Please respect copyright.PENANAH4oyeYg0Oz
And so, with a heart filled with both uncertainty and hope, Hasan continued with his shift, carrying with him the memory of Shaheera's smile and the feeling of warmth that had blossomed in his heart.661Please respect copyright.PENANAF0EinbuzMO
Later that night, near Fajr hour, as Hasan arrived home, he sat in his quiet apartment, contemplating the feelings that had been awakened within him. He remembered the feeling of excitement when he saw her name in his email inbox, the warmth in his heart when he read her messages, and the desire to know more about her.661Please respect copyright.PENANAztQ2gtSBWk
But amid these emotions, a sense of guilt washed over him. He questioned himself, wondering if his feelings were appropriate or if he was crossing a line as a Muslim man. Now more than ever that he knew she was promised to another.661Please respect copyright.PENANA5uiX3FrmdF
"Ya Allah, guide me on this path," he whispered in earnest prayer, seeking clarity and guidance.661Please respect copyright.PENANAtUmcsPfi6f
He reminded himself of the principles of his faith—to be modest, to guard his heart, and to treat women with respect and dignity. He knew that he couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment or lead him astray.661Please respect copyright.PENANAiDL7LKGuSW
As he reflected on Shaheera, he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of their encounter. Maybe they were brought together for a reason, he thought. Perhaps they were meant to learn from each other, to grow, and to discover new dimensions of themselves.661Please respect copyright.PENANAzigFIaDSYc
Hasan decided to focus on the present, cherish the moments they had shared so far, and trust that fate would guide him in the right direction. He knew that he had to keep their interactions respectful and appropriate, just as he had been taught.661Please respect copyright.PENANAOgaEQgETTG
As he settled into bed that night, Hasan prayed once again, seeking strength and wisdom. The day after Hasan's encounter with Jasra and the news about Shaheera being engaged, he decided it was best to forget about her. Out of respect for her and her future husband, he couldn't let himself dwell on the feelings that had been stirred within him. He needed to move forward, focusing on his own life and the possibilities that lay ahead.661Please respect copyright.PENANAgzP1yFMUwk
Determined to take the first step in this new direction, Hasan went to his mother a few days after, who had arranged a Rishta with a woman she found interesting for him. His mother was hopeful, and her excitement was palpable as she introduced Hasan to the woman, Miriam.661Please respect copyright.PENANAok3mPlFRcj
Miriam was a kind and pleasant woman, and Hasan did his best to engage in the conversation. However, as they continued to talk, he couldn't help but find his thoughts drifting back to Shaheera. He compared Miriam to her in his mind, unintentionally setting an unfair standard. As much as he tried to be present, his heart wasn't fully in it. Which didn’t make any sense. He barely knew Shaheera if he was totally honest.661Please respect copyright.PENANAvV4JLZrzgg
Samira, Hasan's sister, joined the gathering, her bright eyes reflecting amusement as she noticed her brother's subtle lack of interest. After their mother had excused herself to retire for the night, Samira playfully raised an eyebrow at Hasan.661Please respect copyright.PENANAAoK0KrLVMs
"Well, brother, how was your date?" Samira asked, unable to contain her curiosity.661Please respect copyright.PENANAYgoUzzqJ6w
Hasan chuckled, realizing that he couldn't hide his true feelings from his sister. "It was fine, Samira. Miriam seems like a nice person."661Please respect copyright.PENANAuo5R6I9vWe
Samira smiled mischievously, sensing her brother's conflicted emotions. "Nice? Just nice? I thought you were going to tell us you found your soulmate!"661Please respect copyright.PENANA5vP0iR9adr
Hasan’s stoic face relaxed a little, appreciating his sister's lighthearted approach to the situation. "It's just that... well, I thought I was ready to … But looks like I’m still not prepared."661Please respect copyright.PENANAxscYzIXLqO
"It’s fine, you’ll find someone sooner or later," Samira said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.661Please respect copyright.PENANAxytbYDL6Ik
Hasan nodded, feeling a mixture of fondness and resignation. "If you say so."661Please respect copyright.PENANA7glBKN1WGl
Samira leaned back, crossing her arms with a knowing smile. "To be honest, I have some spies working for me, and … I know something."661Please respect copyright.PENANAqE2NsTeEXY
“You know something? Could you please be more precise?”661Please respect copyright.PENANAP8TRvacqGp
“Someone I know, and YOU know, I’ve been sharing some information with me. About a girl. I heard she was kind and passionate about her work. Also that-”661Please respect copyright.PENANAU5bk9mQZhx
“Wait! Did Yaasib say something?” 661Please respect copyright.PENANAizMG841UrG
Samira kept silent, her smile growing as Hasan stood up. “I’m going to kill him.”661Please respect copyright.PENANAvoeK1vHn1n
Samira took him by the arm and made him sit again. “It’s fine, I’m happy he told me about her, or I would have never known.”661Please respect copyright.PENANAqJftvtOgYT
“Yes because I would never tell you.”661Please respect copyright.PENANA6TWJ02BUfV
Silent fell on them. Hasan hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should share his feelings with his sister. But he knew that Samira was someone he could trust and confide in. "She's … hmm … beautiful. We had easy and casual conversations. But I felt a connection with her. Well, a start of something."661Please respect copyright.PENANAogetNX91Gq
Samira nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like she left quite an impression on you."661Please respect copyright.PENANA83uk4x87dn
"She did," Hasan admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I know I must let her go. I learned she was promised to someone. I can't hold onto this hope when she's not meant for me."661Please respect copyright.PENANAD9J6dRP1Ac
Samira placed a comforting hand on her brother's shoulder. "You're right, Hasan. Sometimes, we meet people who leave a lasting impact on us, but that doesn't always mean they are meant to stay in our lives. Trust in Allah's plan, and He will guide you to the right person."661Please respect copyright.PENANApU3MbI63Ct
Hasan looked at her from the side. “When did you start saying deep stuff?” 661Please respect copyright.PENANAHXLtOg3WXx
“What can I say? I grow up more day after day.”661Please respect copyright.PENANAoYuFXb2eRx
“You’re already thirty-five,” Hasan said with frowned eyebrows. "Thank you, Samira. Your support means a lot to me." he finally declared.661Please respect copyright.PENANAkGbPz1AYdW
The following days were filled with a renewed sense of purpose for Hasan. He threw himself into his work, focusing on his patients and dedicating extra time to research and professional development. He immersed himself in his duties, using his career as a means to distract his mind from the lingering thoughts of Shaheera.
661Please respect copyright.PENANAXLVaLYkyuN