Lesson 3_Permission_Listening 1

Roshan:What's wrong?

Leela:Oh, that was just your sister. She's asking me for all the family recipes.

Roshan:What's the big deal?

Leela:Well, your auntie is trying to teach Priya all the family dishes, but your sister doesn't want to do things the traditional way. You have to use taste and smell and touch to get it right. You get the real appreciation for the food that way. But your sister would prefer to do things the fast and easy way. But you can't with my cooking. The flavour balance is so delicate. And saffron is such a delicacy. So expensive. And you must have a delicate palate to use it well. You just can't spoon it in. You must be patient if you want to get it right. Such a bright girl, but no patience. I should have taught her ages ago, but her education took priority. Your grandparents disapprove, but I told them it was a new generation and a new country. We should find our own way.

Roshan:I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it, Mom?

Leela:<Warmly> All of us are rule breakers in our own way, aren't we? I still can't send her the recipes, though. I don't have any. She'll have to learn as she goes. Now, what brings you here, Roshan? You look troubled.

Roshan:Well, I was hoping to ask you for a favour, Mom.

Leela:You don't have to be afraid to ask me, Roshan. I'm your mother.

Roshan:Well, I made a mistake at work. I left my boss's truck unlocked, and my tools got stolen. And his tires got slashed — like, all four of them.

Leela:Oh, Roshan!

Roshan:And insurance will cover my tools, but I have to buy them all first, and then submit a receipt. And then they will reimburse me 80 percent of that cost. It'll take months.

Leela:Okay …

Roshan:But the thing is, I'm on the hook for my boss's tires, too.

Leela:What do you mean?

Roshan:On the hook. I mean I'm obligated to pay for them. I mean, it's my fault they got slashed, isn't it? I feel totally responsible.

Leela:So, do you need money?

Roshan:Yeah. A bit. A loan. Not forever. Just until my own insurance claim is approved. Then I'll pay you back. With interest, if I can.

Leela:I thought you said you were saving money?

Roshan:I am. I have savings, but not nearly enough to cover my tools and Kerry's tires.

Leela:Of course. Just write down the amount you need, and I'll talk it over with Daddy.

Roshan:Actually, I was hoping you didn't have to mention this to Dad.

Leela:Roshan, of course I have to mention this to Dad. I can't lie to him.

Roshan:Not lie, Mom, just … not tell him.

Leela:Roshan, you know better than that. I cannot keep secrets from your father.

Roshan:But you know he'll say this is another example of my failure — of my bad decisions.

Leela:Roshan, you should know that your father and I love and support you, even when we disagree with you. I must talk to your father about this before I can give you this loan. We have a joint account.

Roshan:I suppose I could always ask Nick …

Leela:No. You must not borrow money from your friends, Roshan. It will end friendship. No, let me discuss this with your father. Trust me. It will be all right.