Did the drama I'd always dreamed of just start? It felt surreal, like I had forgotten the day before I met Nashid.
Each day, I felt as if I were walking on air, gliding through life with the gentle breeze at my back.
Even the rain transformed into something beautiful, its rhythmic pattern becoming a soothing melody that complemented my thoughts.
On sunny days, I felt a delightful chill in the air, a refreshing reminder that even warmth can have its cool moments.
Everything felt different.
We agreed to meet up today at an Islamic event. It dawned on me that I only ever saw him in person for occasions like this. Without events like these, it felt as if we were simply two names in each other's phones, a virtual presence with occasional glimpses of something real.
But isn't this exactly what you wanted, Noor? Someone different, someone who shares your values and treats you with respect.
And yes, for now, he seemed perfect—more than perfect, really. Yet, something within me craved something more tangible, a certainty to the warmth he brought into my life.
I wondered what it would feel like to be with him in a real relationship, to call him more than just a friend. I could imagine how everyone would love him; his kindness radiated so naturally.
He always asked about my day, remembered the little things, and sent sweet messages that lingered in my mind longer than they probably should. If anyone saw our conversations, they'd think he was my boyfriend. And maybe, in some hidden way, he wanted me to think so too.
But he left me in this comfortable confusion. My heart wavered between the thrill of something new and the familiar safety of taking things slow.
Just as I was about to dive deeper into my thoughts, my phone buzzed with a message.
Nashid: Are you here yet?
There it was again—that feeling. I took a deep breath, brushed off my lingering doubts, and typed back:
Me: Almost there.
As I walked in, I caught sight of him waiting, his gaze calm yet attentive.
Nashid always had this calm presence, a kind of steady warmth, and it felt oddly grounding.
We joined the group gathering for the event, but my focus drifted between the speaker and Nashid beside me.
He listened intently, nodding thoughtfully at points, absorbing every word. And as I glanced at him, my thoughts grew louder.
Once the event ended, we stepped outside. The evening air was crisp and refreshing, grounding me a little as we walked side by side.
"Do you want to go to the park? Maybe walk for a bit?" he asked, his tone gentle.
"Sure," I replied, trying to steady the fluttering in my chest.
We continued walking, each step accompanied by a steady pulse of unspoken thoughts between us.
Nashid seemed deep in thought, and for a moment, he hesitated, glancing down at his hands before speaking.
"Sometimes... I wonder if I'm reading things wrong," he started, his voice softer than usual. "Maybe you don't feel the same way I do."
His words caught me off guard, and I looked at him, surprised.
I hadn't expected him to be so direct, especially when he usually approached things carefully, almost as if he was afraid to cross any invisible line. But there he was, speaking openly, laying out his heart in the calm evening air. A mix of emotions surged in me—relief, excitement, and a sudden courage I hadn't known I possessed.
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...
