ATTENTION: the movie contains smoking scenes, smoking is damaging to your health.
In the summer of 1941, Aram, Ruben, and Goar graduate from the Leningrad Academy of Arts. Goar loves Ruben, but he becomes infatuated with medical student Katya, unaware of her feelings for Aram. Upon discovering their love, Ruben ends his friendship with Aram. The war is a trial for them all. Aram returns briefly to Leningrad to find his home in ruins. On the way back, Ruben picks him up but forces him out due to lingering resentment. The vehicle is bombed, and Aram, saving the injured Ruben, is fatally wounded. In the hospital, Ruben finds Katya and tells her about Aram's love for her.