Hasan stood in front of the mirror, meticulously adjusting his tie as he prepared for the event. The crisp black suit adorned his tall frame, accentuating the air of professionalism he exuded effortlessly. It has been a whole week of preparation and devotion. His father would be proud of him. He was sure of that. He looked a last time at his dark beard and passed a hand in his hair before putting his shoes on, ready to go.
Beside him, Yaasir engaged him in a lively conversation that Hasan had grown accustomed to over the years.
"Hasan, my dear old friend, you must understand the beauty of love and marriage," Yaasir proclaimed with unwavering enthusiasm, his eyes alight with the hope of finding his own soulmate.
Hasan scoffed lightly, his tone laced with skepticism. "Yaasir, my dear old friend, you've always been the hopeless romantic. I fail to comprehend your fascination with something as unpredictable as love." He responded lacing his shoes with a familiar mocking inflection, as he retook the odd expression.
Yaasir's smile remained undeterred as he adjusted his own suit. "Ah, love is a beautiful journey—one that brings joy, companionship, and fulfills our purpose as Muslims. I believe in finding a partner who will strengthen me on the path of faith."
Hasan raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yes, yes, the path of faith. Like with Jasra huh?"
Yaasir chuckled, his eyes sparkling with unwavering optimism. "Perhaps, Hasan. I'm telling you. I'll be the one she'll marry, no questions asked. Believe me, you don't want to finish your life as an old angry man, always talking about how his career was incredible. Follow the good path."
Hasan shrugged dismissively, his gaze fixed on Yaasir's idealistic expression. "To each their own. I prefer the clarity and stability of a rational mind."
This conversation has been on repeat since Hasan told his friend his conversation with his mother. An endless battle of ideologies kept their house lively. Throwing their last adjustment to their suits, they left the house and made their way to the event.
Hasan's car was brand new. It was a gift he made to himself after finishing his medical studies. A special gift his father had promised but couldn't keep. It was a black Jeep Cherokee, which looked so cliché when he was going to the gym. But he liked it and it was his. It was all that mattered. Yaasir made fun of him at first, but after his first ride he mumbled about how it wasn't such a bad car after all. The route was no longer than ten minutes away from their house, incredibly practical when urgencies happened. As Hasan drove, Yaasir put some Quran in the car and closed his eyes. Ramadan would end in a few days, and Yaasir loved this month so much, saying goodbye to it was always a nightmare.
The seconds became minutes, and they arrived safely to the parking. In a second, Yaasir left his calm and went back to his outgoing personality, changing it like it was an old shirt.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5d0YodagV
The room was dense with people and directors of the multiple hospitals in Toronto. It made Hasan uncomfortable at first, as he observed his friend's easy charm and genuine interest in everyone he encountered. The social butterfly persona that Yaasir effortlessly embodied amused Hasan, who couldn't help but offer subtle jabs and sarcastic remarks.
"You really enjoy being the life of the party, don't you, Yaasir?" Hasan remarked, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Yaasir grinned unabashedly, his charisma shining through. "Life is too short not to embrace the joy of human connection. Besides, a warm smile and friendly conversation can go a long way."
Hasan shook his head, his lips curling into a wry smile. "Yes, yes, a warm smile. But let's see how long that lasts in this sea of pretense and shallow conversations."
As the night progressed, Hasan found himself surrounded by colleagues, acquaintances, and the familiar faces he had grown accustomed to over the years. Nods of acknowledgement and polite exchanges filled his evening, but a constant air of detachment clung to him, shielding him from the superficiality that permeated the room. He spent most of the night talking with old professors and reviving past memories they shared when he graduated.
As the conversation kept filling his head, his gaze inadvertently drifted towards a corner of the room, where Jasra stood, engaged in conversation with a woman he had not seen before. There was a modest grace about her, her attire reflecting a reverence for her faith. Hasan's eyes lingered, captivated by the serene aura that seemed to envelop her. Unlike Jasra's usual black hijab, she was wearing a light beige, pefectely accorded to her golden jewel. Her eyes wouldn't stop looking around, like she was searching for something new to discover or someone new to talk to. But not once her gaze stopped on him, her eyes went back at Jasra as she laughed at what she said. Round lips.
Quickly averting his gaze, Hasan closes his eyes and asked for forgiveness. He shouldn't look at women that way. What has gotten onto him. His discomfort deepened as he realized Yaasir had noticed his intense scrutiny. The unspoken curiosity between them hung in the air, leaving them both wondering who this woman could be.
"Is that Jasra's sister?" Yaasir mused aloud, breaking the silence between them.
Hasan's voice carried a tinge of indifference as he replied, "Possibly. It seems Jasra has brought her along tonight."
Yaasir's eyes gleamed with curiosity, his smile widening. "Well, she's quite beautiful, isn't she? Well not as much as Jasra, that's for sure."
Hasan grumbled under his breath, his stoic demeanor intact. "Beauty is subjective, Yaasir. Let's not get carried away."
Throughout the night, Hasan's attention intermittently returned to the enigmatic woman in the corner. Her presence, though unknown to him, stirred something within him—a fleeting sense of intrigue that went against the walls he had built around his heart.
As the event continued, Hasan's resolve to remain aloof only strengthened. His interactions remained limited to nods of acknowledgement, his lips refusing to curve into a smile that would betray the mask of reserve he wore so well.
Little did he know that fate had set in motion a series of events that would challenge his convictions and unravel the carefully constructed facade he presented to the world. The woman in the corner would soon enter his life, setting off a chain of emotions that would force Hasan to confront the depths of his guarded heart.
But for now, as the night wore on and the echoes of laughter filled the room, Hasan remained a silent observer, secretly captivated by the allure of the veiled woman and the enigma she represented.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp8L4Ixy5w
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The air hummed with excitement as Shaheera found herself standing alone amidst the vibrant crowd. Jasra's sudden departure had left her feeling vulnerable, like a lone ship adrift in uncharted waters. Gathering her courage, she took a deep breath and determinedly ventured forward, navigating through the sea of unfamiliar faces that surrounded her. No matter how much she concentrated she could barely understand all of the medical vocabulary thrown at her.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNeJrSc2U3
The event hall buzzed with animated conversations, the sound of laughter and music filling the space. Shaheera's eyes scanned the room, searching for solace amidst the crowd. Her gaze eventually settled on the enticing display of dishes at the buffet area, beckoning her with their tantalizing aromas and colors.
However, as a conscientious eater, Shaheera found herself hesitating before indulging in the culinary delights. Uncertainty gnawed at her, as she wondered about the ingredients and whether there were vegetarian options available. Determined not to disrupt the harmony of the event, she sought assistance from someone who might be knowledgeable.
Her eyes fell upon a man standing nearby, radiating an air of composure and thoughtfulness. He possessed an aura of quiet confidence that piqued her curiosity. He looked scary if she was being honest with herself. His beard made him look grave and his black suit like he had a weapon like those actors in Men In Black. Summoning her courage, Shaheera approached him with a warm smile, hoping for his guidance.
"Excuse me," she began, her voice gentle yet confident. "I was wondering if you could help me. Are there any vegetarian options available?"
Hasan's gaze briefly flickered towards her hijab, his expression thoughtful. He then met her eyes. His response measured yet kind. "It's halal, in case you were wondering. As for vegetarian options, let me check."
Grateful for his willingness to assist, Shaheera observed as Hasan expertly surveyed the array of dishes, his discerning gaze skimming over each one. After a moment of contemplation, he turned back to her, a small smile gracing his lips. "Yes, there are a few vegetarian options available. Allow me to show you."
In that moment, Shaheera felt a sense of relief wash over her, grateful for Hasan's guidance amidst the culinary labyrinth. As they maneuvered through the buffet together, a conversation began to unfold, their words intermingling with the ambient chatter and melodic music.
"Thank you" Shaheera murmured, her voice laced with surprise and gratitude.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOxNLhu5v1
Hasan's gaze briefly met hers, a flicker of warmth glinting in his eyes before he returned to his usual stoic expression. "It's no trouble."
They stood there, sharing a moment of understanding in the bustling reception hall. Shaheera found herself captivated by Hasan's confident demeanor, intrigued by the layers beneath his calm facade. There was an undeniable allure, an air of mystery that surrounded him.
"So," Hasan finally said. "You came with Jasra right? Your sister? "
"Oh, no, no. We're not even cousin."She laughed."I stopped counting how many people thought we were sisters, we keep going everywhere together, we might melt in one body one day."
"That would be shame." he responded under his breath, keeping his head and look down. It was so hard to keep looking away when she had thos gigantic brown eyes. Were they a normal size? Should he take her see a doctor?
"What?" She asked. She bended to look at him. To get back his eyes on her.
"I meant." He looked up again, still trying to ignore her eyes. "I meant it would be really sad. Seeing how Jasra is a pain."He finally said in one breath. A second of silence passed, and Shaheera laughed. Filling the room with bright rays of light and his heart of honey. Without thinking he looked back at her and saw the sun. She was so bright.
"Wait a damn minute," she finally said, her laugh dying out. "You're Hasan right? Sorry I meant, Mr. Abbasi."Her cheeks took a light pink shade as she felt sorry for calling him so familiarly.
"Yes it's me. Hasan will do, I'm not really a fan of my own last name."Silence again."I see Jasra talked about me."
"Oh, she didn't say anything weird or bad. She only-"
"No worries, our rivalry isn't really a secret anyway. And I was expecting her to talk anyway."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhIWdBVdB6
Shaheera felt bad for a second. But as she saw Hasan light expression she believed him. Slowly their conversation kept going. Real introductions were exchanged. Hasan, typically reserved and observant, shared a glimpse of his work as a radiologist, while Shaheera spoke animatedly about her role as an editor in a publishing house. The contrasts between them were stark —Hasan's stoicism contrasting with Shaheera's effervescence— yet there was an undeniable intrigue that bound them in that moment.
As their interaction flowed, Yaasir joined the conversation, his infectious enthusiasm filling the air. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he directed his attention towards Shaheera, his words laced with playful banter.
Shaheera laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, no, I'm not Jasra's sister. We're actually roommates and best friends. We've been inseparable since childhood."She repeated to Yaasir.
Hasan, the silent observer, remained quietly attentive, his gaze shifting between Shaheera and Yaasir. He watched the easy rapport shared between them, their laughter and camaraderie blending effortlessly, like a dance of spirits. A strange and fleeting emotion stirred within him—a twinge of unfamiliar jealousy, an unspoken yearning for the connection they smoothly embodied. Yet, he has buried those sentiments deep within, his stoic facade remaining unyielding.
As the evening progressed, Shaheera found herself enveloped in the lively conversation and contagious laughter that filled the air. It was a stark contrast to Hasan's reticence, but he listened attentively, observing the interplay of personalities with a hint of intrigue. Though he remained mostly silent, his presence became a quiet anchor amidst the social whirlwind.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNw9zOLaRn
As Yaasir bid them farewell, slipping away to attend to his duties, Hasan and Shaheera found themselves alone in the secluded corner of the venue. A subtle tension hung in the air, charged with anticipation. Shaheera's cheeks took on a rosy blush, her eyes flickering with a blend of curiosity and excitement. Hasan, acting against his usual stoic nature, stepped closer but still in at a respectful distance, his voice laced with genuine interest.
"So, Shaheera, tell me more about yourself," he prompted, his gaze fixed on her for a second with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. "What brings you to this event?"
Shaheera's smile widened, a playful glint in her eyes. She leaned in, drawn to the magnetic pull of their conversation. "Well, Hasan, aside from being Jasra's partner-in-crime, I work as an editor. Events like these are a wonderful opportunity to discover new talents and network with like-minded individuals."
Hasan nodded, his curiosity piqued as he delved deeper into their exchange. Her words flowed effortlessly, painting a vivid picture of her life and aspirations. With each passing moment, he found himself captivated by her animated storytelling and the genuine passion that radiated from her.
Intrigued, Hasan took a step back and looked at her rapidly. "You have a remarkable way of expressing yourself, Shaheera. Your passion shines through your words. It's refreshing."He said, his voice softer than most of the time.
Shaheera's eyes sparkled with a mixture of gratitude and excitement. She relished the opportunity to share her dreams and ambitions with someone who seemed genuinely interested. "Thank you. I've always believed that words have the power to shape hearts and minds. Being an editor allows me to be part of that transformative process."
A comfortable silence enveloped them for a brief moment. Each lost in their own thoughts. Then, as if remembering the occasion, Shaheera's eyes lit up, a joyful smile gracing her lips. "Oh, before I forgot. Jasra and I made those this morning. It's not much but we wanted to contribute as mush as we could."
Hasan's gaze softened, as Shaheera took a plate of delicately crafted homemade cakes she had prepared. "Jasra told me it was a participative buffet and we were so excited to try this recipe. Tell me what you think about it." Shaheera looked at him with such an innocent happiness and her demand was so pure, he couldn't resist and took a cake from the plate. He tried it and his eyes widened as he felt the sugar go through his system.
"Well, I'm not really a sugar lover." He honestly said without thinking. The minute his words came out, Shaheera's smile disappeared for a second before reappearing.
"Oh, I see. Yes it's totally understandable."Her smile expanded and her eyes took a nostalgic nod for a second. Before letting the sadness get her, Hasan made sure to make her beam again.
"What is it by the way? I never saw that kind of cake. At least not in that form."
Shaheera smirked a little and looked at him with mocking eyes. "You mean that you don't know about Qarn Eghzel ?" He stayed silent. "Well it's basically-"
"Shaheera!" They heard from the other side of the room. Making her way towards her friend Jasra made sure to excuse herself to everyone she was bumping into. "Took me years to found you! What were you doing?"
Hasan waited for Shaheera to respond and looked at her, ready to see the elegant and feminine woman he had talked to.
"What do you mean where I was? You stupid, you're the one that left." She said in a slightly deeper voice and with a tint of an accent he couldn't place. As she got more familiar with her friend, her satire changed and her smile faded to create a more real expression. Something without lie he thought.
"Before leaving I told you I'll be back, you should really unclog your ears dumbass."
"How dare you?" Shaheera said, jostling her friend playfully and laughing with her. As Hasan looked at her, he noticed her real laugh, and how it sounded. But before he could hear more, she looked at him and thanked him for the conversation they had. Without thinking he responded and stared at them as they walked toward the exit. He shook his head and went back to the event, making sure everything was going nicely.
In less than a minute the magical air disappeared, letting back the cold breeze of routine and work. If Shaheera had been the sun of the night and litted up his mood, she was now gone. And Hasan had no idea how he would ever see her again.
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