When We Were Us (#1 Romance)

8: A Year Together

A year had passed since Nashid and I embarked on this beautiful journey together. 

So many wonderful moments filled those months—each one a treasure, yet I still hadn't shared our relationship with my parents. I preferred to keep it to myself, allowing it to blossom in the safety of our shared experiences.

Nashid still hadn't met my parents, but that worked in my favor. I found comfort in not having to overthink their potential reactions to him. 

And while I hadn't met his family either, he made sure I was always updated about them. I knew his family name, their little quirks, even the name of his baby cousin—information I'd memorized by heart. Each detail felt like a thread weaving us closer together, bridging the gap between our lives.

With Nashid by my side, the burden of university life felt lighter. He had this incredible ability to make everything manageable. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by deadlines or assignments, he was there, encouraging me to push through and reminding me of my potential. He was always honest, even if it meant pointing out my mistakes, and that honesty brought out the best in me.

One evening, as I waited for him to finish a late shift, I reflected on his work ethic. Nashid was incredibly hardworking. It seemed like he never took a break. His days were filled with responsibilities—working his engineering job in transportation during the day, coordinating community events, and recently picking up a night job delivering food. The night shifts were when we had our longest conversations, sharing stories and thoughts, often with the moon as our only witness.

I admired his dedication. He often joked that he thrived on chaos, but I could see the toll it took on him. Still, he never complained. Instead, he used those moments to motivate me, reminding me that we were in this together.

One night, while he was at work, I texted him, asking how his shift was going.

"Busy, as always," he replied almost immediately. "But I'm almost done. Can't wait to talk to you."

I smiled, feeling warmth bloom in my chest. It was those simple messages that kept my spirits up, reminding me that I wasn't alone in my struggles.

"Do you ever take a break?" I teased, knowing full well that the answer would probably be no.

He responded. "I will, once I know you're doing okay. That's my priority."

His words filled me with gratitude. In a world where everything felt so chaotic, his commitment to my well-being felt like a lighthouse guiding me home.

As midnight rolled in, Nashid finally called. His voice sounded tired but warm, the kind of warmth that made my worries disappear.

"Long night?" I asked gently.

He chuckled. "You could say that. But hearing your voice makes it worth it."

Even through his exhaustion, he kept that same gentle spirit, the same care he'd shown since we met. We talked about everything and nothing—our dreams, our challenges, little jokes that only we understood. He asked about my classes, and I could hear how invested he was, like he wanted to make sure I wasn't carrying any weight alone.

"You know," I started hesitantly, "I feel like I haven't thanked you enough. I never thought I'd have someone who... just gets it, who's there through all the ups and downs."

There was a pause, and I could feel his smile even through the phone. "You don't have to thank me, Noor. That's what I'm here for. We're a team, remember?"

The word "team" brought a smile to my face, something that felt deeper than just a label. Being with Nashid was like having an unbreakable support system—someone who was there not to judge, but to push me forward, just as I was there for him.