Read The First Life of Vikram Roy (Many Lives Series Book 3) for Free Online Page A

red-roofed structures. This is the highest I have ever been both physically and spiritually. If I reach out now I could touch the gods above.
    So, this is why the ward mother sounds so happy. She's living close to the skies.
    My head spins, and I grasp the window frame for support. "It's a nice view," I manage.
    She comes over and places a hand on my shoulder. "You're a smart boy, Vikram. Outstanding grades. Spelling champion all the way."
    Okay. Okay. So, I don't want to remember those agonising spelling competitions  
    "So you're a bit ahead of other people in some subjects, but you know our human abilities are pretty multifaceted. What you'll learn here will come from more than books. It'll be from your fellow students, from nature."  
    What's she talking about? I simply stare at her.  
    "What I am trying to say is, just enjoy your years here ." She laughs at the surprise on my face. "I know, I know. You are so young, what I am saying probably sounds all too distant and in the future. But the friends you make here will last you a lifetime. That's how it is with school friends, and more so when you are in a boarding school like this one." She prompts, "So, be pleased your parents sent you here."
    "I am," I mumble. How strange. I never told her about how lost and unwanted I was feeling. It's like she's reading my mind.
    "Okay?" she asks again, eyebrows furrowed.  
    "Yes. Yes, I am," I say
    "That's good." She smiles. "And remember, if you have any questions, you can always ask me."
    I look away at that, feeling grateful, but also a little shy.  
    "I'm sure you'll settle in just fine," she says.  
    I nod. After she leaves, I continue to stare at the scenery outside. So, this is the view I will be waking up to for what seems like an impossibly long time—for the next many years.  
    I sit down on the cushioned seat, a wave of homesickness washing suddenly over me. I close my eyes and listen for the cook's sounds from the kitchen, the muted roar of the TV in the background, the horns honking from the ever-present traffic clogging the streets below …  
    The piercing cry of an unfamiliar bird jerks my eyes open, and I notice a boy at the doorway.He walks towards me, hand outstretched. His face breaks into a smile.
    "I am Tenzin Wangchuck," he says.
    "Are you Chinese?" I ask surveying his features with a curiosity I am trying to hide. He looks similar to our Nepali watchman. But he is so well dressed. I know he comes from a well-to-do family.
    His hand falls to his side and the smile disappears, replaced with a frown that mars the smoothness of his forehead.  
    "From Bhutan," he says, his voice flat.  
    "Wow." It's my first brush with someone not from my country … and with it a sudden realisation that there are kids like me in so many other places. That the world is much bigger than I thought it to be.  
    I smile, not quite sure what to say. Then it's my turn to hold out my hand. "Vikram Roy. From Bombay."
    "Hey, Vik." He shakes my hand. Going over to his side of the room, he pulls out a large box from under his bed to the middle of the room.
    "Hmm. What's in this then?" he wonders aloud.
    "Aren't you supposed to open your tuck box only once a week?" I ask.
    "Yes," he replies. "But why wait?" He holds up the keys. "Made a duplicate set. So I can get in whenever I want."
    "Isn't that against the rules?" I frown.
    "So?" He looks up, a question on his face, as if he doesn't quite understand what I mean. Opening the box, he pulls out Pringles , Maggi noodles, a jar of marmalade, Kit Kats , Toblerones and Bourbon chocolate cream biscuits. "Where is it?" he wonders aloud. Then, he turns the box upside down so a few single-packed slices of cake fall out.  
    "What are you looking for?" I ask.
    In reply, he taps the bottom of the box while still holding it upside down. Nodding as if satisfied at the noise it makes, he slides his hands around the sides and then rips it out.  
    "Hey! What is it?" Now I am really intrigued.
    He