Silence has never ruined the taste of food. Ever.
Seriously. I already hate (with great passion) arranged engagements where the couple involved have no say in the matter.
I'd have less issue with this if the candidates agreed with it in principle along with the parents, and decided to enter into such a ridiculous relationship with a degree of willingness. But forcing the couple in this day? In this age? Heck, even making it an obligatory dating session for a set time (like a month or two) and letting the "couple"decide whether the session should endure longer makes more sense. Should one or the other give a final "No" when the time elapses, they can let bygones be bygones and go their separate ways.
Also, what's with him giving presents to a woman whose presence he doesn't care for? This kind of writing inconsistency makes my eyes roll.