I know three languages: English, Hindi and a smattering of Bengali. But more significantly, I know what is used for Dad and Mom in these languages and a few more. I had never stopped to think as to why these particular words were used to signify parents. Now I do. The first few sounds that Anika, and now, Viraj, have ever uttered have been: Ba Ba (Daddy in Bengali, Hindi), Da Da, Da Di (Daddy), A-boo (Daddy in Urdu), Ma Ma (universal). Its no wonder that doting parents picked up these first sounds to signify the most important people in their children’s lives – themselves.