WF,
If you decline the rishta…and if you stand firmly behind your decision…then your parents will have NO other option but to look for **SOMEONE ELSE **for you (unless they’re the kind to force decisions upon you).
^Do you see what I"m saying? Right now you think that they will NEVER look for anyone else. But that’s a rather extreme thought. They WILL HAVE TO look for “SOMEONE ELSE” if you refuse the rishta and don’t budge from your decision.
^^^^^^^SO…IF you’re a 100% sure that you don’t want to marry him, then respectfully discuss this with your parents.
*************IF you’re not 100% sure about your cousin, then there’s no harm in getting to know him. Perhaps you might like him better in person. You can tell your parents the truth. Tell them **“I’ve heard he’s a nice guy and I’m not saying he isn’t. But you’re my parents and I feel that you’ve raised me to open and honest with you. I personally don’t feel attracted toward him and I don’t think he’s compatible to me. I know that you both really like him and I’m willing to get to meet him and get to know him…before making a final decision. Although, there’s a chance that my decision may be a NO.”
^**They might think it’s “fair enough” for you to get to spend some time with him before making a decision. I understand that it can be an uncomfortable state to be in. And I think that most parents…even if they get angry…even if they engage is a bit of emotional blackmail/pressure…will not disown you for rejecting a rishta. Eventually the anger will fade and they will come around, and things will fall into place. Best wishes.