“Verdict of Time”
1
Author
Hello everyone. Welcome back to a New story.
Author
Hope you guys love it.
Every seat was filled, yet not a single sound dared to rise above the heavy silence hanging in the air.
Sriya Malhotra stood at the center like a storm that had already decided its target.
Her expression was calm—too calm.
But her eyes… they were sharp enough to cut through lies.
On the opposite side, the defense lawyer adjusted his files confidently, flashing a smirk as if victory was already in his pocket.
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
“The prosecution’s claims are based on weak assumptions,” said smoothly. “No solid evidence connects my client to the crime.”
A few murmurs spread across the court.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(Didn’t even blink. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, looking at the accused seated behind.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(Her gaze was enough to freeze him in place.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
💭*If you walk out of here free, her eyes seemed to say, I’ll make sure you regret it myself.*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
(Cleared her throat while drinking her coco cola). * if you guys know you know😌😌*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
“Prosecution, proceed.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*stepped forward.*
“Permission to present additional evidence,” she said firmly.
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Granted."
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(She placed a file on the desk—clean, organized, undeniable.
One by one, she laid out the proof.
Bank records. Phone logs. Witness statements. CCTV timing analysis.)
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
(smile faded slightly. Still, he wasn’t done.)
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
“Objection, Your Honor! These documents could be—”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Fabricated?” (cut in sharply.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(Her voice was calm—but dangerous.)
“Then explain this timestamp mismatch in your client’s alibi.”
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
*Silence.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(She turned another page.)
“This is not a coincidence. It’s a pattern.”
The courtroom leaned forward to know what is the truth .
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
(Narrowed her eyes.)
“Proceed.”
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
(clenched his jaw and leaned in closer to his client, whispering urgently. Then he tried one last move.)
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
“Your Honor, the prosecution is trying to intimidate the accused instead of proving guilt!”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(looked at him directly.)
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
(And that look alone made him stop speaking.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Intimidation?” she repeated softly. “No. This is clarity.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(She turned back to the judge.)
“Permission to cross-examine the accused directly.”
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
“Granted.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(walked slowly toward the witness stand.
Each step echoed like a final warning.
She stopped in front of the accused.
No anger. No shouting.
Just control.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Look at me.”❄️
Accused
*hesitate slightly and avoid eye contact with her.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Look at me,” she repeated, colder this time.
Accused
(slowly looked at her)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“On the night of the incident,” she began, “you were at the location. Correct?”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Answer yes or no.”
The speed of her questioning left no space to think.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Were you seen near the victim’s house at 9:17 PM?”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Yes or no.”
The courtroom was dead silent now.
Her questions came like bullets.
No pause. No mercy. No escape.
Until finally—
She stopped.
Just for a second.
Then she asked the question that broke everything.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Did you kill him?”
Accused
(Froze.
His hands trembled.
And in that split second of panic… truth slipped out.)
“…Yes.”
Silence shattered. All the people who were present there started to murmur and looked at the accused with fully angry mood.
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
(Looked at her with smirk coz she knows her friend will find out the truth with in a minute. Then turned to the accused with not so sympathy look.)
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
(face turned pale.
Realization hit the accused like a hammer.
His eyes widened.
He had just trapped himself.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(She only tilted her head slightly.
A faint, controlled smirk formed at the corner of her lips.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(looked at the judge then smirk at her.)
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
(looked at her friend with knowing smirk and eye to eye conversation)
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
*👀 Babe you nailed it. 💅💅😌*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*(⌐■-■)*
Name - Sriya Malhotra
Age- 28 years
Lawyer.
Had only father. Mother left them when she was born.
Her nature - Good for good people, sweet, bold, full of naughtiness, mischievous. When it comes to justice she will never back down who ever is in front of him.
Formidable, always find truth. Even if she is in bad side she will back down by her own before she takes his side.
Known as devil when it comes to cases.
2
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
*She looked down from the bench, her expression calm and unwavering as the courtroom fell into complete silence.*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"The Court has carefully examined all the evidence, heard the testimonies of the witnesses, and considered the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense."
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
*She paused, her gaze fixed on the accused.*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Based on the evidence before this Court, I find the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
*Her voice remained firm as she delivered the sentence*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"I hereby sentence the accused to forty (40) years of rigorous imprisonment. Furthermore, the accused is ordered to pay a fine of four million (4,000,000). Failure to pay the imposed fine shall result in additional penalties in accordance with the law."
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
*She picked up the gavel and brought it down with a decisive strike.*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"This Court is adjourned."
The accused was taken away by the police moments later.
The courtroom slowly began to empty, but Sriya didn’t move from her place immediately.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*Her gaze shifted to the opposing lawyer. A faint smirk appeared on her lips.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She gave him a small blink.
It wasn’t casual.
It was a message.
I never lose.*
Abhiraj Malik / Lawyer
(Jaw tightened. His face darkened with frustration before he turned away and walked out without another word.)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(calmly collected her files.
Another case closed.
Another win added to her name.)
Back in her office, the atmosphere changed instantly.
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
“Congratulations, my babe! You did it again!”
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
*Her cheerful voice filled the room as she rushed in and hugged her tightly.*
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Ofcourse why not my darling is not easy to mess afterall "
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
(Went towards them and joined the group hug)
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Another victory 💅"
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*let out a soft laugh, hugging them back tightly.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
"Thanks my babes."
*slowly broke the hug.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Yaa Anika… it was worth it. You should’ve seen his face.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She dropped onto her chair dramatically.*
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
*Sat across from her, still smiling.*
“Let’s finish the remaining files and go home early today.”
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Ok guy's you guys do your job i am going to meet my boyfriend."
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Byee My ladies call you laterre..."
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
"Byee babe."
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
"Enjoy your date darling..😉"
Justitia/Judge/ FL bestfriend
"Sure baby."
(⌐■-■)
Soon, both of them buried themselves in files, working with ease and understanding—like friends outside, but sharp professionals when it mattered.
By evening, Sriya leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms as she finally finished her work.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Tired…” she muttered softly.
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
*Glanced at her.*
“Babe, let’s go eat something spicy. Chatpata food, what say?”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*Immediately nodded.*
“Now you’re talking.”
Soon, they were at a busy street market.
The smell of spices, fried snacks, and chatter filled the air.
The moment they saw pani puri—
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
“GO!”
Both of them said at the same time.
They rushed like their lives depended on it.
Laughing, teasing, arguing over who got more puris—like kids who forgot the entire world.
After pani puri came chaat, then more chaat, then even more spicy snacks.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(Wiped her fingers and laughed.)
“We’re definitely going to regret this tomorrow.”
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
“Worth it.”
They bumped shoulders and laughed again.
After some time, Anika’s phone rang.
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
“Oh no… my boyfriend’s calling. I have to go,” she said, already backing away.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(Waved her off.)
“Go, go. Don’t make him wait.”
Anika Rathore/ FL Bestfriend
*Ran off, still shouting*, “Call me later!”
Now alone, Sriya stood for a moment, looking around the lively street.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*Her eyes drifted across the stalls… until something stopped her.*
Small. Quiet. Almost hidden between the chaos.
Something about it felt… different.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She frowned slightly and walked in.*
A soft bell rang as she entered.
Books lined the walls, old and new mixed together. The smell of paper filled the air.
She walked slowly, scanning the shelves.
Something caught her eye.
A book.
Its cover looked ancient, slightly golden in tone, with a strange design on it.
At the top, a title glowed faintly under the light:
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*tilted her head.*
“…Interesting.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She picked it up. Flipped through a few pages.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*The language felt strange, almost like it was calling her attention rather than just being read.
A faint curiosity sparked in her eyes.*
“I’ll take it,” she said softly.
After purchasing it, she stepped out of the bookstore, unaware that the moment she held that book…
Something had already begun to change.
3
Sriya reached home with a light heart.
As soon as she stepped inside, a familiar smell welcomed her.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*smiled instantly.*(≧▽≦)
Her father was already in the kitchen, busy cooking for both of them.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*Tiptoeing quietly like a sneaky cat, she moved closer… slowly… carefully…*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*And then—*
“BOOO!”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She shouted loudly.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
(≧▽≦)
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*Turned around, Instead of being scared, he simply smiled warmly*
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“My life is home?” he said, gently patting her head.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*face fell into a pout.*
(ಠ︵ಠ)
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Papa! That’s not fair! At least you should have acted scared.”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*He chuckled softly.*
“Meri pyari beti… fine, next time I’ll act properly. Okay?”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She nodded cutely, satisfied.*
(つ≧▽≦)つ
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Hmph. You better.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*She hopped onto the kitchen counter, sitting comfortably while he continued cooking.*
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“So, how was the case?” he asked.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
*smirked slightly, picking up a pakoda from the plate beside her.*
“You already know, Papa… your daughter never loses.”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*He looked at her with pride shining in his eyes.*
“Good job, meri beti.”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*He gently patted her head again.*
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
( ꈍᴗꈍ)
*smiled, enjoying the warmth.*
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“Now go freshen up. I’ll set the table.”
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Okay, Papa.”
*She jumped down and went upstairs.*
After a while, she returned, now relaxed and fresh.
Together, they set the dinner table—small talks, random teasing, soft laughter filling the space.
They ate together peacefully.
For Sriya, this was home.
Not just a place…
But a feeling.
After dinner, they cleaned up and stood near the hallway.
Sriya Malhotra/ FL
“Good night, Papa.”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“Good night, beta.”
With soft smiles, they went to their respective rooms.
Neither of them knew…
That this peaceful night was about to change everything.
The house slowly fell silent.
After saying goodnight to Sriya, Manav walked into his room and closed the door gently.
For a moment, he just stood there.
Then he sat on the edge of his bed.
The smile he had been carrying all evening… slowly faded.
He leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
And just like that—
Memories returned, Uninvited, Unstoppable.
Her laughter. Her dreams. Her stubborn eyes.
Vani Malhotra / FL mother
“I don’t want this life, Manav… I want to become an actress.”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*He had tried.
Explained. Requested. Even begged.
Not to stop her dreams…
Just to stay.*
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“For her… at least stay for her.”
She was just Four days baby , who was crying for her mother's warmth.
That’s all it took for their daughter to grow up without a mother.
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*jaw tightened.*
“Was I asking too much…?” he whispered to himself.
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“It wasn’t like I stopped you… I just wanted our child to grow up with love…”
Silence answered him.
A tear slipped from the corner of his eye.
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*He wiped it quickly. But more followed.*
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“She didn’t even look back… not even once…”
No calls.
No visits.
Nothing.
Now she was a famous actress.
Married.
A mother again.
Living the life she chose.
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*closed his eyes.*
“I’m happy for you… I really am…”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*His voice broke slightly.*
“…but what about her?”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
$His hands clenched the bedsheet.*
“What was my daughter’s fault…?”
The room felt heavier.
His breathing became uneven.
A quiet sob escaped before he buried his face into the pillow, trying to suppress the sound.
He couldn’t afford to be weak.
Not in front of her.
After a few moments, he slowly calmed himself down.
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*Wiped his tears.
Took a deep breath.*
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
“For her… I have to stay strong.”
Manav Malhotra/ FL father
*His eyes softened.*
“My Sriya deserves everything.”
And this time—
No matter what—
He wouldn’t fail like all those years .
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
