Can I carry my days over?

Shadow Vikram first. He explains rules without sounding like a rulebook; keep his numbers clear and his tone friendly: "ten", "up to five days". Then take Poppy's part. Notice "Lost? That seems harsh." It's a gentle push-back. Say it with surprise, not anger.

1. PoppyHi, Vikram. Is now a good time? I have a few questions about vacation days.
2. VikramSure, Poppy. You started in July, right? How's Mumbai treating you?
3. PoppyI love it. It's a lot warmer than London. But the vacation policy confuses me.
4. VikramYou're not alone. What's the question?
5. PoppyThe handbook says twenty days a year. Since I started in July, do I get twenty or ten this year?
6. VikramTen. You earn them as you go, a little under two days a month.
7. PoppyOkay. And if I don't use them all by December?
8. VikramYou can carry over up to five days into next year. Anything above five is lost.
9. PoppyLost? That seems harsh.
10. VikramIt's there to make people actually take time off. Otherwise, some people never stop.
11. PoppyFair. I'm planning to go home to London for two weeks over Christmas.
12. VikramTwo weeks is ten working days. That uses everything you have this year.
13. PoppyPerfect timing, then. How do I book it?
14. VikramPut in a request through the HR portal. Your manager approves it from there.
15. PoppyHow early should I ask?
16. VikramFor December, as soon as possible. A lot of people want those same dates.
17. PoppyThen I'll do it this afternoon, before anyone else does.
18. VikramSmart. And book your flight after it's approved, not before.