With the first rays of the sun, the imposing building of the High Court of the city stood out in its familiar solemnity. The morning hustle and bustle had begun in its wide corridors. Lawyers were arguing among themselves in their black coats, handling supporting documents, and staff carrying wads of files to and fro. Amidst all this, Judge Ajay Chaudhary sat in his chamber, waiting for the file of the next case. Ajay had a determination and calm on his face, reflecting his experience and fidelity to justice.

Ajay Chaudhary was known as a strict and impartial judge. His decisions were always based on justice and truth, no matter how complex or emotional the matter was. His presence in the court made people feel a special kind of seriousness. But today was different. Ajay realises that an unspoken uneasiness is raging in the courtroom. Some of the employees were whispering softly, and their eyes were raised towards Ajay.

Then there was a knock on the door. His personal assistant, Ashok, came in with the file in his hand. There was a hesitation in his gait, which could not be hidden from Ajay's keen eyes.

"Ashoka, what's the matter?" Ajay asked seriously, his eyes trying to understand the assistant's expression.

"Sir, this case is quite high-profile. There is a name in it that you should know," Ashok said, placing the file on the table.

Ajay ran his fingers over the thick bind of the file. His heartbeat increased slightly as he felt its weight. He opened the file, and his face was flushed after reading the name written on the very first page.

Siya Choudhury - her own daughter.

Silence engulfed the room for a few moments. Ajay read his daughter's name over and over again, as if trying to believe that his eyes were not deceiving. Siya was their only child, the sweetest thing in their life. For him, Siya had always been a symbol of innocence and playfulness. But his name comes in this case... It was unimaginable.

"How can that be, Ashok?" Ajay asked with a deep breath, his mind was flooded with thoughts.

"Sir, the matter is very complicated. This includes financial scams and personal allegations associated with a high-profile businessman and his company. Siya's name has come up as a witness, but her role is not clear," Ashok said in a low voice.

Innumerable questions started arising in Ajay's mind. How can his daughter get caught in such a case? Is he just a witness in this, or even more than that? His mind was caught in the battle between father and judge. As a father he was ready to protect his daughter from every difficulty, but as a judge he could not stray from the path of law.

"Ashok, I need complete information about this case. Whatever proof and documents are there, be given to me immediately. And Sia... Where is he now?" Ajay suddenly got up and asked.

"Sir, he is with his friend Rhea. I hear she was trying to meet you, but then stopped," Ashok said.

Ajay nodded silently and looked out of the window of his chamber. Outside, the sun had spread its full light, but Ajay's heart and mind were dark. Should they talk directly to their daughter? Or evaluate the situation as a judge first?

He was thinking when a message came on his mobile. The message was from Sia: "Papa, I need to talk to you." Please call when you have time. Ajay's heart started beating once again. This was the first time in his life he was in such a big crisis between justice and the love of family.

Before the court proceedings began, Ajay sat alone in his chamber and pondered deeply. This case was going to be a tough test not only for him but for the entire judicial system.