The evening of the community event arrived, and I found myself standing outside the mosque, my heart pounding with anticipation and nerves. I couldn't shake off the anxiety swirling in my stomach.
What was I thinking? What did I get myself into? I mumbled to myself, taking a deep breath. Why did I agree to come?
With each step toward the entrance, I walked slowly, dragging my feet as if I could somehow delay the inevitable.
My mind raced with a flurry of thoughts—would Nashid be there?
What if I stumbled over my words again? What if I embarrassed myself in front of a crowd?
As I reached the door, I paused, stealing a glance inside. The gentle hum of conversation flowed through the doors, interspersed with the faint scent of warm spices wafting through the air. I took a deep breath, willing myself to push past the hesitation.
"Just go in, Noor. You'll be fine," I whispered under my breath, trying to muster up a semblance of confidence.
I scanned the room for Nashid, my stomach fluttering with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
The topic for the evening was mental health and faith, a discussion that intrigued me deeply.
I hoped it would be an engaging and enlightening experience.
After a few minutes of mingling, I spotted Nashid near the front, chatting with a group of people. He looked relaxed, his smile brightening the room.
As our eyes met, a spark of recognition lit his face.
He waved, and I felt a rush of warmth.
He looked different today; instead of the casual cap I remembered from our last meeting, he wore a dark blue kurta and a grey kufi hat. The traditional attire added an air of elegance to his demeanor, making him seem more approachable and relaxed.
"You made it!" he exclaimed as he approached, his voice genuine and welcoming.
"I did!" I replied, trying to match his enthusiasm while suppressing the butterflies in my stomach.
As the discussion began, I settled into a seat with a clear view of him, feeling comforted by his presence even from a distance. The speaker, a local mental health professional, started with insights on the importance of addressing mental health within our communities, linking it to our faith and how it can offer support during difficult times.
The more I listened, the more I realized how essential these conversations were. It was refreshing to see a group of people openly discussing something often considered taboo in our culture.
I could feel Nashid's energy across the room, nodding along and occasionally whispering insights that made others laugh.
"This is really enlightening," the girl sitting next to me murmured to me, glancing at Nashid's engaging demeanor.
As the discussion progressed, I found myself more at ease.
I appreciated how Nashid seemed to effortlessly transition between serious topics and light-hearted banter, making the environment feel even more comfortable.
Although I couldn't hear him as clearly, I could see his gestures and animated expressions as he spoke with enthusiasm.
Halfway through the evening, the floor was opened for questions, and a young man raised his hand. The conversation flowed, with attendees sharing personal experiences and insights.
I watched as Nashid leaned in, fully engaged, and occasionally exchanged smiles with those around him.
"You should join in," one of the girls beside me encouraged, nudging me slightly.
YOU ARE READING
When We Were Us (#1 Romance)
Romance"We Were Us" is a poignant novel that explores the complexities of love and heartbreak between Noor Imani and Nashid Tariq. At that moment, each believed their love was merely a passing breeze, a chapter that would never return. Noor, "Why do you h...
