Choose the correct salutation for writing a personal letter:

The correct answer is Option (2) → My dear Sheela

A personal (informal) letter is written to family members and friends, so the salutation uses the person's first name with a warm word: "Dear Sheela" or "My dear Sheela".
Example: The letter to her cousin began, "My dear Anu, I hope you are well."

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Option 1: Dear sir — Incorrect. Dear Sir is the salutation of a formal letter to an official whose name is not used.

Option 3: Dear Mr. Nayak — Incorrect. Title + surname (Mr. Nayak) is used in formal or business letters to a named person, not in a personal letter.

Option 4: Sir — Incorrect. Sir alone is the most formal salutation, used for officials such as the Principal or an editor.