Veronika Raichand and Ayaan Singhania have known each other since childhood, growing up in the shadow of their families' close friendship. Once inseparable, their bond begins to crack under the weight of adolescence, family expectations, and their own insecurities. By the time they enter high school, Ayaan has become the charming heartthrob surrounded by admirers, while Veronika, though confident and smart, prefers to keep to the background. The unspoken tension between them simmers, sparked by misunderstandings, jealousy, and a slap heard around the school. When a series of dramatic events force them to confront their shared history and lingering feelings, Veronika and Ayaan's relationship evolves into something more complicated than childhood friendship. But just as they begin to find their footing, life pulls them apart again, taking them on separate journeys toward adulthood. Years later, they meet again, now young adults navigating the chaos of careers, personal growth, and unresolved emotions. This time, the tables have turned: Ayaan is the one chasing Veronika, whose guarded heart has been shaped by the scars of her past. Their connection is undeniable, but they must contend with old wounds, new insecurities, and the challenges of miscommunication and conflicting priorities. Almost Us is a heartfelt story about growing up, falling in love, and learning to rebuild relationships. Veronika and Ayaan's journey is one of discovering who they are as individuals while finding their way back to each other. With themes of resilience, forgiveness, and second chances, their story reminds us that sometimes love is messy, but it's worth fighting for.
Veronika's POV
It was supposed to be a peaceful Sunday morning. At least, that's what I thought until my mom's voice reached an eardrum-shattering pitch, competing with the high-pitched squeal of my alarm. With a groggy stretch, I reached for my phone and nearly dropped it. "Monday?!" I squinted at the date flashing on my screen, realization hitting me like a bucket of ice water. It was 7:35 a.m., and school started in twenty-five minutes.
Panic set in. I was halfway to the bathroom before my brain fully woke up. I threw on my school uniform, the pleated skirt and blazer I'd spent way too long ironing last night now a crumpled mess. My school was one of the most prestigious in the city, all thanks to my family's connections and... resources, let's say. Not that I was the ideal daughter for the role. I kept my distance from my family, navigating the world largely on my own terms. In my family, no news was good news and if I stayed out of trouble, they barely noticed me.
I was halfway out the door, ignoring Mom's complaints about breakfast, when I caught sight of my little sister, Tia. Sweet, doting Tia, who somehow made everyone around her smile just by existing. "I'll see you after school, Tia!" I called, blowing her a kiss. I loved her to bits, even if she made me look bad by comparison.
On the school bus, my best friend Rhea caught my attention. "Ver, please tell me you did the homework," she begged as I slid into the seat beside her.
"Of course, I did. Who do you think I am?" I smirked, handing her my notes. I wasn't exactly the topper kind, but I did good. Studying came naturally to me.
School wasn't exactly thrilling, but I had my friends and the occasional drama to keep things interesting. Speaking of drama, my heart decided to act up the second I spotted him, Ayaan Singhania. He was standing with his group, laughing about something, his smile lighting up his face in an annoyingly magnetic way.
Ayaan and I had history. We'd been friends since childhood. Our families were close. But somewhere along the way, we'd grown apart. Now, he was the school heartthrob, and I was just a girl in the background with an inconvenient crush.
As if on cue, Rhea whispered in my ear, "Did you hear? Ayaan hooked up with that junior last night."
I winced, hiding my disappointment under a neutral expression. "Why am I not surprised?" I muttered, eyes glued to my notebook. Reading the same line over and over again. Focus, Veronika!
Classes blurred by, and soon it was time for break. We usually sat together, eating our packed lunch while gossiping about teachers and movies. But today, as I settled into my seat, Rhea called over, "Hey Ver, come with me to the bathroom?"
"Sure," I shrugged, grabbing my bag. Just as I got off the table, I felt a sharp tug and then a loud rip. I froze, looking down to see my skirt caught on a nail, fabric torn and hanging awkwardly. Mortified, I barely registered Jay, my friend, helping me detach it.
"Relax, Ver," he assured, his voice steady as always. "It's just a skirt. We'll get you a new one from the store."
I nodded, trying to hold back my embarrassment.
It's just a skirt, I reassured myself, ignoring the dull sting on my thigh where the nail had caught me. I bolted out of the room, eager to escape the scene not sparing a single glance in it's direction.
But just as I turned the corner, someone's voice caught my attention. "Nice legs, Raichand," a mocking tone sneered. I didn't have to look to know it was Ayaan. His comment wasn't enough no, his friends had to laugh too, as if he were the king of the universe, and I was the joke of the day. A chill ran down my spine. This was supposed to be a lazy Sunday morning. But here I was, becoming the school's laughingstock, all thanks to him. Without thinking, I spun around, storming up to him. "Keep your filthy comments to yourself, Singhania," I spat, the words barely registering before I raised my hand and slapped him.
The slap stung, but the satisfaction was worth it. Whispers buzzed around us as I stormed off to the bathroom, trying to collect myself. What was I thinking? Slapping Ayaan Singhania? The moment replayed in my head, dread coiling in my stomach at how I'd just escalated things.
The next thing I knew, my vision went hazy, and I felt myself swaying. A steady arm caught me before I could fall, guiding me down the hallway, his voice a low hum against the ringing in my ears before everything faded to black.
Later, in the Nurse's Office
The heavy, antiseptic smell greeted me as I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the bright light. I realized I was lying on one of those cold, vinyl cots in the nurse's office, a bandage around my thigh from where I'd cut myself on that stupid nail.
"For the last time! I didn't hurt her," came a familiar voice.
Ayaan.
I winced, squeezing my eyes shut as if it would make his presence disappear. He was leaning against the wall, looking frustrated. The last time we'd been this close was when we were kids, laughing and sharing secrets. He'd changed so much since then. Or maybe I'd changed. Either way, the distance between us now felt as vast as the ocean.
The nurse came over to me, checking my cut. "Are you alright, dear?"
"I'm fine," I mumbled, my eyes darting to Ayaan, who had an unreadable expression on his face. "Can I go back to class?"
Before she could answer, Ayaan turned to her, exasperated. "Look, can we just confirm I didn't do anything wrong here?"
I turned bright red. "What? Of course not! It was an accident, nothing more."
"Fine, you both can leave. Get a tetanus shot after school, Veronika, and make sure you come back tomorrow," the nurse said, giving me a final once-over before dismissing us.
Ayaan stepped forward to help me up, offering his arm. Reluctantly, I took it, trying to ignore the warmth of his grip as he steadied me. We walked in silence down the hallway, his arm still supporting me as I limped slightly.
Once we were outside the nurse's office, he paused, glancing down with that familiar cocky grin. "Good to know you're alive, Veronika," he teased. "That little slap barely left a mark."
"You deserved it," I muttered, trying to sound braver than I felt.
He laughed, that genuine, unguarded laugh I hadn't heard in years, and for a second, I caught a glimpse of the boy I used to know. But before I could say anything, he added, "Tell you what, to make up for it, how about a peace offering? One kiss, just for old times' sake?"
My jaw dropped. "In your dreams, Singhania."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Suit yourself. See you around, Ver."
As he left, I watched him go, my heart doing a strange, jittery dance. Beneath all the sarcasm and the bad blood, there was something still there, some lingering familiarity that felt impossible to shake.
The complex history between Veronika and Ayaan lingered like a storm cloud, their shared past hovering just beyond reach. They'd grown up together, bound by years of memories that no amount of high school drama could erase. Maybe, just maybe, that connection hadn't faded completely-even if it was buried beneath years of resentment and unspoken words.
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"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
Eliana was framed by her best friend and her fiance into sleeping with a boy toy in the club and getting impregnated by him. Five years after she had given birth to twins, she returned home and worked under the Moran Group, where she met the CEO-- Maurice. Maurice was a brilliant businessman who did his job well. But in order to stay under the radar, he lived a double life. One as Maurice, and one as Preston. Fate brought the two together again, roping them in on an exciting love story. It all became more complicated when Eliana faced Preston, the man she had slept with before, once again. Now that she was being pursued by two men, how could she ever choose? When would Eliana uncover the secret of Maurice's identity? When was Maurice going to know that he already had two children of his own? How would Eliana face this man when the truth came to light one day? Come and find out.
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "You’re mine. Now and always."
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."