Hasan stood amidst a flurry of activity, his tall frame commanding attention as he meticulously organized the work event. It has been years since the hospital did something this important, and he was determine to make it perfect for everyone, he even convinced the director to make it after Maghrib. The conference room buzzed with anticipation, as decorations adorned the space, and the aroma of fresh flowers filled the air. Colleagues hurriedly passed by, seeking his guidance and approval, their voices blending into a symphony of urgency.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ68eR863y
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His expression was impassive, a mask of reserve carefully crafted to conceal the maelstrom of emotions within. His piercing gaze surveyed the scene, scanning for any imperfections that might disrupt the seamless execution he demanded. His sharp mind calculated every detail, ensuring a flawless event that reflected the professionalism he embodied. Hasan loved details, things that most people didn't see but he did. It was the most important part. The details.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9IWdO89Yf
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Jasra, the fierce radio manipulator, approached him with a glint of disdain in her eyes. Their rivalry was no secret, a clash of wills that ignited sparks of animosity between them. Under the hostility triggering between them, Hasan had fought his colleagues to get Jasra in his team. He knew, from the beginning, how talented she was. What he didn't know was how much of a strong headed woman she was.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE4qaYdyAK
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"Sir, I need your signature for a few documents," Jasra said, her voice clearly showing she would prefer being somewhere else than in the same room as him.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuygJHNIdx
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Hasan's gaze locked with hers, his eyes revealing no emotions. His voice, cool and measured, betrayed no hint of warmth. "Sure, what is it about?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutOYZy7IsB
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Most of their conversations were cold and professional. With time Jasra had given up and started to just act like him. A few months before when Jasra got her permanent job, she would usually say whats on her mind and would criticise Hasan work out loud. Even if he knew it was coming from good intention, having someone look down at his works made him mad. For a month or two now, the two enemies stopped their quarrels. Especially after some rumors said both of them shared feelings.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQE7B5MEeO
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Jasra tilted her head, her confidence unyielding. "Oh, you just have to read it." she said not wanting to help him.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkg6AiUBUq
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A flicker of irritation passed through Hasan's eyes, a fleeting crack in his stoic facade. His reserve solidified, steeling himself against the distractions that threatened to compromise his pursuit of perfection. He sighed heavily and took the papers from her hands before reading it rapidly. When he made sure everything was perfect -again- he gave it back. "There's no room for personal vendettas, Jasra. The success of this event is paramount, and I expect professionalism from everyone involved."He said before she completely turn. His voice harsh. Maybe too much but, right now, as the event was starting to make sense to everyone and would take place in less than a week, he didn't want anyone to destroy this hard work.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKDjakNckN
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Jasra's lips curled into a sly smirk, her eyes gleaming with a mix of defiance and challenge. "Rest assured, Sir. I'll be professional."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgv85lJkZ0
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Their eyes locked in a silent duel, the air thick with tension and mutual dislike. But amidst the animosity, a familiar voice cut through the atmosphere, momentarily diffusing the hostility.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXNP8KyU8k
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"Ah, the dynamic duo reunited."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAUK3Hn3Ug
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Yaasir, Hasan's roommate, strolled over with a knowing smile, his easygoing demeanor a stark contrast to the strained atmosphere. Their friendship was a testament to the magnetism of opposites. Hasan's stern expression softened, a glimmer of warmth flickering in his eyes as he acknowledged Yaasir's presence. "Yaasir, always the peacemaker." He said oddly sarcastic.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcrWzyM7ps
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Yaasir chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Someone has to keep the peace between you two. Otherwise, this hospital would be engulfed in constant hostility. And we don't need that."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7bqxvpRpC
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The trio engaged in a tense exchange, their words laced with underlying tensions and unspoken resentments. But Yaasir's presence seemed to alleviate some of the strain, offering a brief respite from the animosity that permeated the room.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b3sb7L6pB
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As they delved into the logistics of the event, Hasan's focus intensified, his attention honed on the intricate details that would ensure its success. The tapestry of decorations, the carefully arranged seating, and the meticulously curated menu—all were orchestrated with the precision of a maestro conducting a symphony.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6mkZczxGi
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This was the face the world saw—a serious and unyielding professional. losing track of the conversation Hasan signed the last paper Jasra gave him, before she left with no words. He looked at his friend, but a small grin tainted his face. Hasan looked at Jasra's back, walking towards the exit door and then back to his friend, his eyes locked to the black hijab tangling to the rhythm of her walk.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rGdFW3vsQ
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"If you want her that much, just go ask for her hand. I'm sure she'll be thrilled."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBL7wXrW7P
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Yaasir looked at him, confuse and went back hastily to himself. "Of course she'll be thrilled. I am the best son-in-law one could come across."
***
After the long hours of meticulous event planning, Hasan's mother, Farida, warmly welcomed him into her home for a much-needed Iftar. The aroma of freshly cooked tahiri filled the air, enveloping him in a familiar embrace. The dining table was adorned with a spread of mouthwatering dishes. Each prepared with a mother's love. Still waiting for his siblings, Hasan went to his mother and helped her prepare naans. Even though he was good at his job and manipulating patients, Hasan was so bad with food and cooking his mother had to make him stop. Their laughs echoing in the house. Longing with other souvenirs.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62cXDUaB6g
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As the silence enveloped them, creating a cocoon of security, Farida's gentle gaze fell upon her son while she divided the daugh. "Hasan, my dear, you're already 27 years old right?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ6ki13gCg
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"Yes, Ommi." he responded with a gentle smile on his face. The question took him off guard, but as he noticed her soft tone, he understood where it was going.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYxU3CCT2j
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"Don't you think, it's time for you to think about settling down Beta?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkrDf0YvfM
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Hasan's face remained impassive, his eyes avoiding direct contact as he played with the loose threads hanging from his hoodie. Marriage was a topic he preferred to avoid, for it was a realm that required emotional investment and vulnerability—territory he had yet to explore. But before saying his usual monologue about how his career was everything, he thought of Yaasir and how his eyes followed every movement Jasra made. Sometimes he longed for that kind of wants. He even made dua, asking for a loving wife. Someone that would understand him and would settle in his own peace. A loved one.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhMEg5xQGJ
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Farida sighed, her gaze tinged with concern when her son said nothing. "Beta. Don't you desire companionship? Someone to share your joys and burdens, to build a life with?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtb4jtC9cc
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Hasan's guarded demeanor faltered slightly, a flicker of vulnerability seeping through. His mother's words tugged at the depths of his being, stirring emotions that he had long kept dormant. "I- I'm fine. Don't worry about me."He finally said.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcHloeJqad
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Farida's eyes searched his face, her voice filled with a mix of understanding and longing. "My son, I only want to see you happy. I have come across a few potential matches, young women who possess grace, intelligence and faith. It would mean the world to me if you would at least meet them."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYg2DlLbBs
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Hasan's gaze softened, his heart touched by his mother's earnest plea. He had always been a dutiful son, respecting her wishes and seeking her guidance. And though he was reluctant to embark on the journey of marriage, he couldn't deny the depth of his mother's love and concern. And if he was honest with himself, time had come. The more the years passes, the more he felt alone.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn95sYtsX9X
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"If it means so much to you, Ommi, I will meet them," he finally acquiesced, his voice carrying a tinge of hope."But I cannot promise anything beyond that."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHq8D6DugF
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Farida's eyes gleamed with gratitude, her smile radiant. She reached across the table, gently placing her hand over his. "Thank you, Hasan. Your willingness means more to me than you can imagine."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eR3wxxxw0
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In that moment, the walls of reserve crumbled, revealing a glimpse of the tenderness that lay hidden within Hasan's stoic exterior. The bond between mother and son, forged through a lifetime of love and lost, thawed the icy façade he presented to the world.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZYbzAheov
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They continued the preparation, engaging in light conversation that wove together stories of family, childhood memories, and the simple joys that brought solace to their hearts. Farida's presence offered Hasan respite from the demands of the outside world, allowing him to momentarily embrace vulnerability and bask in the unconditional love that only a mother could provide.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCKF465uEB
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Just as they were concluding the setup the door swung open, and Hasan's younger brother, Akmal, and his wife, Aisha, stepped into the room. Their radiant smiles and intertwined hands painted a picture of marital bliss, a stark contrast to Hasan's guarded demeanor.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXByypHx4Dn
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"Hasan bhai!" Akmal exclaimed, his voice filled with youthful enthusiasm. "We heard you were considering marriage. That's wonderful news!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0slxJgTqs
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Hasan's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of cynicism surfacing. "How do you even know that? We talked about it 20 minutes ago!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLJUCbJYP0
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Aisha's gentle laughter filled the room as she approached Hasan, her eyes shining with affection. "Oh, Hasan bhai, marriage is a beautiful blessing. It completes a person, brings joy, and allows two souls to embark on a shared journey."She said in one breath completely ignoring his question. Her pregnant belly made her sit as soon as she entered the kitchen. Farida didn't wait longer and sat beside her daughter-in-law, already asking how she was feeling and if she needed anything.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx153QtP9ya
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Hasan's expression remained stoic, a thin veil concealing the emotions that flickered beneath. He knew his mother was behind all this. He looked at his phone and entered their shared WhatsApp group. As expected she already announced it the minute he agreed. "A shared journey, you say?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jg6G1062h
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Ali, undeterred by Hasan's cynicism, playfully nudged his brother's shoulder. "Come on, Hasan bhai. You have yet to experience the warmth and companionship that marriage brings. You're missing out on so much!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY9CHHmHeQ
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Hasan's gaze shifted from his brother to Aisha, observing the sincerity in her eyes, a reflection of the love she had found in their union. "Perhaps I am content in my solitude, Akmal. Marriage is not the sole path to happiness."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7mK8NEo7f
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Aisha's voice softened, her tone gentle yet persuasive. "What a scientific way to see love. Open your heart Hasan bhai !"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNIYgPJ2w5
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The silence and comfort he shared with his mother quickly disappeared as the couple made its place in the kitchen waiting for the last guest. The house was now filled with conversation and names for his future niece. He sat on the other side of the counter and listened to their talking silently. Hasan was not a speaker, more of a listener. He enjoyed looking at details of love and happiness one others face.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdJ9vl3aaH
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Akmal and Aisha exchanged a knowing glance, their fingers still intertwined as they conveyed silent messages. They understood that Hasan's journey was unique, his perspective shaped by his experiences and the armor of reserve he wore so well.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAk0nLBj0g
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"Hasan bhai," Akmal spoke softly, letting his wife and mother in a deep women conversation. His voice carrying a blend of brotherly affection and understanding. "It's good that you're ready to open your heart to new experiences. It may lead you to places you never expected."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzrKYGUm8N
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Hasan's response was measured, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I will consider your words, Akmal. But know that my path is one of the logics and practicality."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB4kDURy16
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As the conversation drew to a close, Hasan's cynicism lingered in the air like a faint echo. The exchange with his brother and sister-in-law had only reinforced his belief in the self-imposed boundaries he had created. Marriage, to him, was a realm of uncertainties and vulnerabilities—a world he had yet to embrace. What he saw in Yaasir eyes, was not for him and never will be.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09O44HU8HB
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The night kept going. Samira joined them, all sharing Iftar and praying together. As he departed from his family's embrace, the solitude that awaited him became a comforting refuge, shielded from the complexities of human connection. But deep within, a flicker of curiosity danced, whispering of the possibility that love, in all its enigmatic glory, could one day breach the fortress he had built.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTrAnvsx0v
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And so, Hasan ventured forward, his heart guarded, his emotions concealed, ready to navigate the winding path that lay ahead.The meeting with the potential matches lay before him, a step into the unknown that would test the limits of his stoicism and challenge the very foundations of his guarded heart.
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