The next few days felt different. There was a new energy in my routine, one that came from the lingering excitement of the event. I found myself glancing at my phone more often, anticipating a message from Nashid.
When I finally received one, my heart skipped a beat.
"Hey, Noor! How's your week going?"
I typed back quickly, a smile spreading across my face.
"Hey! It's going well, thanks! Just busy with assignments. How about you?"
As we exchanged messages, I noticed how easily our conversations flowed. We shared more than just our thoughts on faith and mental health; we started talking about our family, favorite movies, music, and even our daily lives.
Nashid's sense of humor made me laugh, and I found myself looking forward to our chats more than I had expected.
As I sat in the living room, engrossed in my phone, I felt my sister shoot me a curious glance.
"Who are you smiling at so much?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I quickly glanced up, trying to play it cool. "Just a friend," I replied, not wanting to give away too much.
My mother chimed in from the kitchen, a knowing smile on her face. "A friend? "
I felt my cheeks flush. "It's nothing like that, Mom!" I protested, though the warmth in my heart told a different story.
Yet, I couldn't help but notice my family exchanging glances and smirking, clearly amused by my apparent giddiness.
But with that excitement came a sense of apprehension. I wondered about the line between friendship and something more. Was it too soon to entertain those thoughts?
One evening, after a particularly lively discussion about a new movie release, Nashid sent me another invitation to an upcoming community workshop on emotional well-being.
"I really think you'd enjoy it. Plus, I'll be there!" he wrote.
I felt the familiar wave of hesitation wash over me. "I'll have to see... I might be busy," I typed, my fingers hovering over the screen as I considered my response.
"Come on, Noor! Don't leave me hanging," he replied, playfully persistent. "I promise it'll be worth it!"
I chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Okay, I'll think about it."
As the days passed, I found myself rehearsing how I would respond if I did decide to go. I wanted to see him, but I wasn't sure I was ready for another real-life encounter. It felt easier to communicate through screens—safer, somehow.
Finally, on a quiet Sunday morning, I made the decision.
"Okay, Nashid, I'll go," I typed, my heart racing at the thought.
When he replied, his excitement was palpable. "Really? Awesome! You won't regret it!"
As the workshop approached, I took a deep breath, reminding myself of the previous event. I can do this.
During a break, he approached me.
"I'm glad you came!" he said, genuinely pleased.
"Thanks for convincing me," I replied, trying to play it cool, even as my heart raced.
"It's always better with you here," he said, his tone playful yet sincere.
As the workshop continued, I felt the gap between us narrowing. I appreciated his perspectives and the depth of our conversations, and I realized that my comfort with him was growing.
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...
