Dear Naveena:

No, it is not sinful to love someone. But unless you are okay with running away from home, eloping with him, that is you leaving your parents and home and living far away from your parents, you have to proceed wisely once you are in love.

I was wondering: did your parents ever talk to you about what to do when you fall in love with a man, what you should do (tell them about it, I suppose, and not proceed to a girlfriend/boyfriend relationship without their knowledge)?

The wise thing to do at this point,  assuming your parents are somewhat reasonable, is to let them know what is going on and make a plan with them, instead of making a plan without their knowledge and without them approving of your plan.

Why don’t you choose a time when you and your parents are sitting together, calm, comfortable and tell them what you and your now friend (no longer boyfriend) want to do: to get settled with your studies and careers and after that. to ask the parents’ to arrange a marriage, ask them to consider your plan now and let you know if they agree to it?

anita