The story takes place in the late 80's right after the collapse of the Soviet Union. These are harsh times when everything seems to be changing. Three best friends Petya, Tolya and Illia fall in love with Elena. The men are ready to do whatever it takes to get the girl, however, life deals them a different hand. Petya emigrates, hoping to boost his writing career. Tolya becomes an ambitious surgeon on the come up. Illia, however, finds himself next to Elena in the circumstances, which are not as romantic as he though they would be. Elena is fighting for the life of her child and the kid's chances look grim. The couple is scrambling to find money needed for the treatment and Illia offers to sell his kidney to help the child. Meanwhile, we're going to jump ahead 20 years to see which of the three won Elena's heart.