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.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
My boyfriend called, "Baby!" as he jumped out of bed and scrambled to pull his pants off the ground. "Please, I can explain my love." Shutting my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried not to cry when I realized that my dream of the man not being my boyfriend had been dashed. "What?" I asked, "What do you want to explain?" How did you lie about having a business meeting while you were in bed enjoying yourself with my best friend, even though I told you I was in serious pain, is that it?" I stood there, my heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face...