Didi

The Bengali language has a lovely word for the elder sister : “Didi”.

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The other day, I was lounging at the club canteen after a gym session, when a young girl, barely eight or nine years old, came up to the counter, her grandmother in tow. She obviously had gone for a swim, judging by her wet hair, and was probably very hungry.

They went over the menu pasted on the wall, with animated discussions on each item. The grandmother then said, “Take a couple of chicken sandwiches – I know you like them.”

The little girl said, “Why don’t we buy a plate of chicken momo ? You know how bhai likes them.” (Bhai means younger brother). 

The grandmother reasoned, “He is at home and probably not hungry. You need the food.” The girl was insistent and then they reached a compromise. She was more intent on buying something for her brother before she bought something for herself.

They bought a plate of chicken sandwiches and a plate of chicken momo – one to be eaten here and the other to be carried home. The little girl promised to share both – one with her grandmother and the other with her bhai.

Watching them, I could not help, but comment to the elderly lady, “All didis are like that.”

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Yes… all Didis are like that – I have witnessed it time and again.