... a friend indeed!

Winnie The Pooh, once said to his friend Tigger,
"If you live to be a hundred, I would wish to live a hundred minus one day so I won't have to live without you."

The stories I look into here, reflect similar sentiments and devotion, but in completely contrasting circumstances. Both the stories were written to touch our hearts and both succeed effortlessly.

Sam and Frodo:
Sam often said, "He (Gandalf) told me, Don't you lose him Samwise Gamgee!... and I don' t intend to Mr. Frodo." But this shows Sam's devotion to his friend, rather than an awe for Gandalf. He follows Frodo with adamine dedication, even nearly drowning himself to persuade the other to take him along when Frodo decides to renegade the Fellowship.
Sam passes the test of endurance and fellowship with valour, always being Frodo's strength, support and salvaging factor. But Frodo is not spared too, with his trust and faith in Sam tested mercilessly. He nearly succumbs almost chasing away Sam... but everything is restored before it's too late and their friendship survives and shines in the end to tell a tale of bravery and togetherness.

By the by, If you were to ask me, Sam is one friend, i would die for.

Aamir and Hassan,
Must prove their loyalty and friendship in a completely world beseeched with equally daunting evilry.
Irony of their story is Hassan is always there for Aamir, even when Aamir isn't there, or even if he doesn't need him. On the other hand, Aamir is never there for Hassan, even if Hassan is right there and even when he needs him the most.

Hassan undisputably passes his test, but it is Aamir's long at last return that salvages their friendship, it's glory and it's essence. Else, Hassan would have been disgraced to be a fool, than a friend... and Aamir would have proved himself to be worser than a foe.