The next day dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to the storm that was brewing in Subham's heart. As he finished his morning training, he received a call from Sam, inviting him to his best friend's wedding. Subham readily agreed, eager for a change of scenery and a chance to relax.
The wedding was being held at a picturesque venue on the outskirts of the city. Subham and Sam arrived early, dressed in their finest attire. The atmosphere was festive, with colorful decorations, cheerful music, and the laughter of friends and family filling the air.
Subham and Sam mingled with the guests, enjoying the lively conversations and delicious food. It was a beautiful celebration, full of joy and love. Sam, ever the life of the party, soon found himself with a guitar in hand, preparing to play a tune to add to the festivities.
As Sam strummed the opening chords, the guests gathered around, eager to hear his music. His fingers danced across the strings, producing a melody that was both beautiful and haunting. The crowd was captivated, their attention fully on Sam and his guitar.
Then, the moment arrived for the bride to make her entrance. The music swelled as the doors opened, and Subham turned to see the bride stepping forward. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized her. It was Rose.
Sam's hands faltered on the guitar strings, and the once joyous melody turned somber. The shift in music was palpable, and the mood of the guests began to change as well. Subham watched in stunned silence, the realization of why Rose had been unreachable for the past few days dawning on him.
Sam's eyes were fixed on Rose, his face a mask of shock and pain. He continued to play, but the notes were filled with a deep, sorrowful emotion. The guests, sensing the change in the atmosphere, began to feel the sadness in the music. Some even started to cry, moved by the melancholy tune.
Subham's heart ached for his friend. He could see the heartbreak in Sam's eyes, and he knew that this moment was tearing him apart. As the ceremony continued, Sam began to sing, his voice trembling with emotion.
#### **Sam's Song: "A Heart's Farewell"**
```
Verse 1:
In the quiet of the night, I dream of days gone by,
Where laughter filled our hearts, and love was in our eyes.
But shadows cast their veil, and time has played its part,
Now I stand alone, with a shattered heart.
Chorus:
Oh, the love I couldn't keep, the tears I couldn't cry,
In this moment, let me sing, a final goodbye.
For the heart that once was whole, is now broken and alone,
In this melody, my sorrow's shown.
Verse 2:
The stars above us fade, as the dawn begins to break,
In the silence of the morning, my heart begins to ache.
For the dreams we shared are gone, like whispers in the wind,
And the love I held so dear, will never be again.
Chorus:
Oh, the love I couldn't keep, the tears I couldn't cry,
In this moment, let me sing, a final goodbye.
For the heart that once was whole, is now broken and alone,
In this melody, my sorrow's shown.
Bridge:
And if I could turn back time, to hold you once again,
I'd never let you go, I'd fight until the end.
But now I stand alone, with memories of you,
In this song, I pour my heart, my love, my truth.
Chorus:
Oh, the love I couldn't keep, the tears I couldn't cry,
In this moment, let me sing, a final goodbye.
For the heart that once was whole, is now broken and alone,
In this melody, my sorrow's shown.
Outro:
So as the sun sets low, and the night begins to fall,
Remember this my love, I loved you through it all.
And though we're worlds apart, my heart will always know,
In this song, our love will forever flow.
```
Tears streamed down the faces of the guests, their hearts breaking along with Sam's. Suddenly, in the middle of the song, Sam started coughing violently. Blood spattered on his hands and the guitar, and the guests gasped in horror.
"Sam!" Subham shouted, rushing to his friend's side. He caught Sam as he collapsed, his body trembling with pain. Rose, noticing the commotion, turned and saw Sam on the ground. Her eyes widened in shock and concern.
Subham cradled Sam in his arms, his mind racing. "Sam, what's happening?"
Sam coughed again, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "I'm sorry, Subham," he whispered. "I didn't want you to find out this way."
"Find out what?" Subham asked, his voice filled with fear.
"I have cancer," Sam admitted, his voice weak. "I didn't have much time left. I wanted to see Rose one last time."
Tears welled up in Subham's eyes. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Sam smiled weakly. "I didn't want to burden you. But now, I have one last thing to give you."
With trembling hands, Sam reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, worn notebook. He pressed it into Subham's hands. "This is my inheritance," he said. "The Seven Melodies of Death. Use it well."
Subham took the notebook, his heart breaking. "Sam, don't talk like that. You'll be okay."
Sam shook his head. "It's too late for me, Subham. But promise me you'll use the melodies to help others."
"I promise," Subham said, tears streaming down his face.
Sam's eyes began to close, his breathing growing shallow. "Tell Rose... it wasn't her fault. It was mine. And thank you, Subham, for being my friend."
With those final words, Sam's body went limp in Subham's arms. Subham held him close, his heart shattered by the loss of his dear friend.
Rose approached, tears streaming down her face. "Sam... I didn't know."
Subham looked up at her, his eyes filled with sorrow. "It's not your fault, Rose. He loved you, and he wanted you to be happy."
Rose nodded, her heart heavy with grief. "Thank you, Subham."
Subham stood, lifting Sam's body gently. "I need to take him back to Vidur's mansion. He deserves a proper farewell."
Rose placed a hand on Subham's arm. "I'm sorry, Subham. And thank you for being there for him."
Subham nodded, his heart heavy with sorrow. "Goodbye, Rose."
With Sam's body in his arms, Subham made his way back to Vidur's mansion. The journey was long and filled with silence, the weight of his friend's death pressing down on him. When he arrived, his friends and Master Vidur were waiting.
They gasped in shock at the sight of Sam's lifeless body. "Subham, what happened?" Saheli asked, her voice trembling.
Subham recounted the events of the day, his voice filled with sorrow. "He was my friend. He gave me his inheritance and told me to use it well."
Vidur placed a comforting hand on Subham's shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss, Subham. Sam was a good man."
Subham nodded, tears streaming down his face. "I'll honor his memory, Master. I promise."
As they prepared to give Sam a proper farewell, Subham held the notebook tightly in his hands. He knew that he had a responsibility to carry on Sam's legacy, to use the Seven Melodies of Death to help others and honor his friend's dying wish.
The night was filled with sorrow and reflection, but also a renewed sense of purpose. Subham knew that his journey was far from over, and he would face many more challenges ahead. But with the memory of his friend in his heart, he felt ready to face whatever the future held.