1. Dinner Table Talk

A bright morning.

Warm sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains of the Zafazel family’s dining room. At the long polished teak wood dining table, three people were enjoying their breakfast. The aroma of special fried rice cooked by Mother Dina filled the room, accompanied by omelette slices, pickled vegetables, and crispy crackers. Arnold Zafazel, a young man, CEO of his family owned company, who possessed a mature aura, an athletic build, and a handsome face, sat between his parents the authoritative looking Mr. Ardi and Mrs. Dina, who always appeared elegant and well groomed.

"Arnold, try adding a little bit of that chili sauce. Just to give it some flavour," Mom Dina said with a gentle smile.

Arnold nodded slightly, scooping a small amount of chili sauce onto his plate. "Sure, Mom. The fried rice is delicious, as always."

"I agree too," Daddy Ardi chimed in, sipping black coffee from his ceramic cup. "Mom’s cooking never fails to satisfy."

"Ha-ha-ha."

The three of them laughed softly, creating a warm atmosphere that morning.

However, the laughter didn't last long. Mr. Ardi put down his spoon, leaned back in his chair, and looked at his son meaningfully.

"Arnold," he said quietly but clearly. "I want to ask you something important."

Arnold stopped chewing, looking at his father with a slightly furrowed brow. "What is it, Dad?"

"When do you plan to get married?" Mr. Ardi asked without beating around the bush.

Arnold fell silent for a moment. He glanced at his mother, then looked back down at his plate. The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.

"Joseph and Farez are already married. You’re their best friend, how come you’re still single?" Mr. Ardi continued. "They’ve even started talking about having children."

Arnold let out a soft sigh, then shrugged. "I haven't made any plans yet, Dad."

Mrs. Dina, who had been smiling all this time, also spoke up. "Arnold, I also want to have a grandchild soon. Look at Joseph and Farez already having partners, it looks so much fun. Their houses must be lively and full of joy."

Arnold looked down, then answered honestly, "I’m currently single, Mom."

Mrs. Dina widened her eyes, then shook her head gently. "Oh my goodness, single? You’re this handsome, you have a stable career, how could you still be single?"

Mr. Ardi also commented while frowning slightly. "Your mother is right. You know so many girls, is there really not even one that you could consider getting serious with?"

Arnold looked at both his parents calmly. "I just haven't met the right person yet, Mom, Dad. I also don't want to rush into anything recklessly, since this is about choosing a lifelong partner."

Mrs. Dina seemed to think for a moment, then the corners of her mouth curled into a mischievous smile. "In that case, I have an idea."

Arnold looked at his mother suspiciously. "What idea?"

"I will introduce you to the daughter of one of my best friends," Mrs. Dina answered quickly. "Her name is Marsha. She’s beautiful, well mannered, and works as an interior designer. I’ve known her mother very closely since our university days. But it seems you might actually know her too you two went to the same kindergarten before my friend’s family moved abroad."

Arnold raised his eyebrows. "Oh come on, Mom. I was still very little back then. How could I possibly remember her? So you mean this girl is going to be set up with me, just like that?"

"It’s not an arranged marriage where you have to get married immediately," Mrs. Ardi interjected. "Just getting to know each other first. Who knows, maybe you two are actually a good match."

Arnold looked hesitant, then put down his spoon. "Hmm … It’s not that I’m refusing. But please don't rush things, okay? I don't mind getting introduced. But let us take our time getting to know each other. No pressure to get married right away."

Mrs. Dina looked delighted. "Wow, Arnold. Do you really agree to meet Marsha?"

Arnold smiled faintly. "Yes, Mom. It’s better than being asked about marriage every single breakfast."

Mrs. Ardi laughed happily. "Ha-ha-ha. That’s my boy."

"Marsha is a good girl, I’m sure you’ll like her. I’ll arrange the time later, okay?" Mrs. Dina said enthusiastically. "We can meet somewhere casual, perhaps at a café or for brunch."

Arnold nodded slowly. "But please don't tell her this is all arranged by parents, okay? Let it seem more natural."

Mrs. Dina nodded. "Okay, I understand. We’ll make it look like a regular meeting. But I’ll definitely pray that you two are a perfect match."

Mrs. Ardi added while picking up the morning newspaper, "As long as you are sincere and show your good intentions, everything will work out fine. Sometimes a soulmate can come from the most unexpected directions."

Arnold just smiled while sipping his sweet tea. In his heart, he actually wasn't quite ready yet to get to know a new woman, let alone with the label of being a potential future wife. But seeing how enthusiastic both his parents were, Arnold realised that sometimes he had to give in for their sake.

Mrs. Dina stood up from her chair and started clearing the plates. "I’ll contact Aunt Bertha, Marsha’s mother, later. We’ll find the right time to meet."

Arnold nodded. "Okay, Mom. But please don't make it too soon. Let me arrange my schedule properly too."

"Don't worry, I’m not some kind of desperate matchmaker. But I really believe you’ll like Marsha."

Mr. Ardi stood up and patted his son’s shoulder. "I’m proud that you’re willing to try getting to know Marsha. Life is all about daring to take the right steps and moving forward one at a time."

Arnold smiled faintly. "Okay, Dad. Let’s just wait and see how things go later."

Breakfast then continued with a slightly lighter atmosphere. Even though the topic of marriage had come up quite suddenly at first, it had somehow made that morning feel more colourful and meaningful. Arnold knew that life always brought surprises, and perhaps one of them was meeting someone who could change everything.

After finishing the warm breakfast with Dad Ardi and Mom Dina, Arnold Zafazel looked at his elegant watch. The long hand pointed to seven o’clock in the morning. He then sipped the remaining sweet tea, stood up while straightening his smooth white shirt, and slipped his mobile phone into the pocket of the light grey suit jacket he was wearing.

"Dad, Mom, I’m leaving for the office now," Arnold said politely while kissing the backs of his parents’ hands one by one.

"Don’t forget to eat a healthy lunch at the office," Mrs. Dina reminded him as usual.

"And don’t drive too fast on the road," Mr. Ardi added.

Arnold smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Dad, Mom. I’m being driven by Wira, remember? He’s the one behind the wheel."

As soon as he stepped out of the main door of the Zafazel family’s big house, a black Mercedes Benz S-Class with tinted windows was already neatly parked in the driveway. A young man, dressed smartly in a suit and tie, stood beside the back door while opening it for Arnold.

"Good morning, Mr. Arnold," he said politely. "The car is ready."

"Morning, Wira. Thank you," Arnold replied as he got into the car.

The assistant immediately sat in the driver’s seat, started the engine quietly, and began driving the car towards the headquarters of AZ Corp, a multinational company operating in the property and technology sectors, where Arnold served as the youngest CEO in the company’s history.

Inside the car, the atmosphere was quite calm. Arnold looked out the window while deep in thought. The conversation he had with his parents during breakfast kept replaying in his mind. He looked at his own reflection in the car window, then decided to speak up.

"Wira," he called out softly but firmly.

The assistant glanced at the rear view mirror.

"Yes, Mr. Arnold?"

"Did you hear our conversation during breakfast earlier? About Dad and Mom wanting me to get married soon?"

Wira nodded slightly. "Yes, Sir. I happened to overhear it while helping Mrs. Dina in the kitchen. It seems they really want to have a daughter in law as soon as possible."

Arnold smiled faintly, then leaned his head back against the seat. "And now … they want to introduce me to the daughter of one of Mom’s best friends."

Wira seemed to think for a moment. Then, while still focusing on driving, he said, "In my opinion, that’s not a bad thing, Sir."

Arnold turned his head slightly towards the driver’s seat. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, if you really don't have anyone special in your life right now, why not just give it a try? Just getting to know each other, you’re not being forced to get married immediately," Wira said wisely.

Arnold let out a soft sigh. "That’s exactly what I told them. I’m willing to be introduced, but please don't rush things. I want to see what she’s actually like first."

"You’re right, Sir. Who knows, she might actually be the one destined for you."

Arnold looked up at the car ceiling, then nodded slowly. "Sometimes I just keep thinking about work, focusing so much on building up the company, that I forget to pay attention to my personal life.”