'My parents are against my marriage...'

I’m a Rajasthani and he is a Maharashtrian. My brother too is opposing my choice as he does not want to take a stand against our parents. I don’t know what to do. My family was okay when I was friendly with him all this while but when the subject of marriage came up they developed cold feet. My boyfriend and I plan a court marriage but we want to seek my parents’ blessings.
— Rajji

Dear Rajji,
It appears that your family members are proving to be tough nuts to crack. You have been going around for three years and have been open about the relationship. All this while they never stopped you. Perhaps they felt you would not take the relationship to the next level. Now that you have broached the subject, they are against the guy which is strange. If you want their blessings, you will have to convince them. It will take time, so be patient. Explain to them that as a close buddy he was okay, so why not as a hubby? Nowadays such marriages are so common, who on earth even has issues about it? I am sure your folks will change their stance after a while.