Dear Priyanka,
Since you are a doctor, it would be easier for me to explain.
The human brain as you know is very much under the influence of the endrocrinal system and nature designs us for continuation of species.
So somehow we gravitate towards choosing mates for the purpose of reproduction.
Some of us choose a mate ourselves or chosen by family etc...that is the only difference.
When we choose a mate ourselves there is more endorphin release and the brain feels the effect of attraction and its a intoxicating feeling...Deva and Devis have love marriage somehow...none of them had arranged marriage...only to depict that creative forces are finally in our hands.
Now...in an arranged marriage endorphin release is also there but since there is a sense of security it could go into oxytocin phase of security a little faster becos the environment is a little safer since the odds for differences is less.
Now when one is older having hit andropause and menopause then one realizes in the game of nature we humans bonded for a reason to procreate..to bond..nurture..guide the younger generation and then exit the world.
Now this process can happen between any two individuals and the love as in attraction need not even be a criteria.
To be honest , the guy whom you like is a tad bit more aware of this fact than you cos he has mentally prepared himself for a No from your parents.
He is a practical person who doesnt want to see himself plunge into a depression if your parents say No.
Then there is you who is having doubts too...but may be being young and the idea of love feels refreshing too.
I feel both of you are just fearful and not really willing to face the harsh reality.
Its not that an inter caste marriage doesnt work out....it does..many intercaste marriages work out if the mind set is a less binding one where one can rise above the external differences and not hold on to external as the identity and function as " I am a human " format and not " i am a Varna" format...but sadly its not very possible in India as much as its possible in other countries.
Final diagnosis : its easier to find a vaccine for Covid -19 than trying to find a solution for an intercaste marriage in India.
Treatment : Put a mask on your feelings and marry your own kind.
