"Andrew is the one I trust....."

"Sure dad, what is it?"

Giving the father and daughter some privacy, Emma and Tina stepped out of the room.

"Shall we sit and talk?" Michael sat on the edge of the bed. He then pulled a nearby stool and gestured her to sit down.

Rachael gulped in nervousness and hesitantly sat down. Whenever her dad asked her to sit down for a conversation, it would be a serious one.

"Remember how I gave you one whole year to be by yourself?" When she nodded, he said, "And I also promised you that I would stay out of your way and no one would object to anything that you chose to do in that given period."

"Yes."

"So tell me, starting from the day I promised you till date, did I ever stop you from doing anything?"

She shook her head.

"That means I kept my promise, didn't I?"

"Yes." In the past twelve months, Rachael had picked up different hobbies, some of which were quite messy and unreasonable but Michael did not say a word. He did not stop her but instead scolded everyone who tried to stop or question her.

"All these years I have always listened to you, I gave you everything you wanted. When you wanted to marry that Oliver guy, I agreed even though I knew he was up to no good since the very beginning." That was true, Michael had his doubts about Oliver Reyes since the date he met him for the first time. This is why he was against their relationship at first but later he had to give in because of Rachael.

"I know," she agreed. The decisions she and her brother took had always been independent. Though Michael would suggest things to them every now and then, he never forced things on them.

Placing his hand on her shoulder, he stated, "But this time I want you to listen to your father." Pausing for a few seconds, he added, "Marry Andrew."

"Dad—"

Interrupting her, he remarked, "Listen to me first. As a father, it's my duty to marry off my daughter to someone I can trust, someone who will take care of you better than I did. And Andrew is the one I trust."

"But dad how can I—it's so weird." How could she marry someone she had just met? Though she had a past with Andrew but it was seventeen years ago. Many things had changed since then. She had changed and he had too. At the moment, both of them were no less than strangers.

"This is how arranged marriages work honey—your mom and I were strangers when we first met. But look how wonderful things turned out to be for us. We have been happily married for thirty-three years now."

"You and mom are different—what if Andrew and I get married but things don't work for us? What if it turns out to be a disaster? Not all arranged marriages work out." Rachael was right. Though arranged marriages were quite common but it had its own sets of pros and cons.

"I know that too but I am very sure things will work out between you and Andrew perfectly." Grabbing her hand, Michael explained, "Listen honey, I will never force you to marry him or anyone. I am just telling you what I feel is the best for you. I really want you and Andrew to get together. But what I want doesn't matter—"

"Why are you saying that dad? What you say matters, it matters a lot."

Gently caressing her head, Michael got up. "Instead of rejecting it directly, why don't you think about it? Andrew is a very sensible, hardworking man and I am very sure he will treat you very well."

Glancing at his watch, he added, "Anyway, you should get ready. Andrew will be here any minute now."

"Why so early?" It was around eleven in the morning and he was supposed to pick her up at one.

"Before going to the museum, you are going to the hospital to pay old madam Collins a visit. She is not keeping well, it will be nice if you visit her on behalf of our family."

"What about you and mom? Don't you think it will be nicer if you two do it together?" Rachael suggested. Since she was Andrew's grandmother, she thought it was better if the elders paid her a visit.

"We will but not today." Without waiting for her reply, Michael walked out of the room. "Get ready fast."

…..