Re: ek sawaal !!!!!!
i think you should do what you're comfortable with. your reasoning is sound and i agree- i think couples need time to get to know each other. after all, what is there to hide in an engagement period? the couple will get to know each other and at least have a cleaner "out" if they don't really feel like they're compatible, compared to getting married, finding out they don't really like each other but are stuck for life. maybe the reasoning is that it'll force them to work on their issues once they're married? i dunno.
i'd say hold out to your parents for an engagement period of at least 6 months to a year, and good luck!