A common misconception people harbour is that a new life is a tangible present, a gift from someone beyond, whose wrapping paper we can rip through and a ribbon we can pull to untie. If is was, the number of people flocking out of their unfulfilling lives would have been abounding.

It doesn't come with the assurance of comfort. It's an unexplored road covered in fog and chill and sometimes, one drive for years on end, looking for a destination- an end in sight. To truly relish in the journey is to accept that sensation of unknown danger and risk as one reaches for the far horizon beneath the deception of security. Keep their old love letters, burn them if they wish but the adventurer will learn to love themselves.

The heart has to be adventurous enough to step through the blizzard of uncertainty. The feet have to be brave enough to walk on coal if need be. The eyes to be bold enough to stay unblinking in the middle of unpredictable turns and undulations roadblocks.

From the cradle to the grave, life is forever changing- built of shifting sand.

"Have you found another apartment?" Haseena asked as the mother and daughter returned to the main room, puffy red eyes having returned with a ray of hope and acceptance.

"Have you shifted your things over or do you need help?" Pushpa added.

Santosh beamed. "Yep and this time I made sure the tap and door were in proper working condition."

"How?" Karishma piped in. "did you complete your new year's resolution and actually understood how plumbing works."

"Nope, I paid the plumber and carpenter extra with threats that if my tap and door weren't working properly, I would unleash my bhukaal."

"Uff yeh masumiyat," Cheetashwar mumbled to himself but everyone else had heard it too and laughed at her expense. It quickly died down as the clock struck six.

The day had come to an end, officially. For a moment, they all gazed at the clock, eyes misted over.

"I guess it's time." Santosh cleared her throat with an airy laugh. She picked up her cap and the rest followed suit.

"To constable Santosh Sharma," Haseena declared while the person in question looked on confused.

The three senior officers and one same-ranked officer gave her a loud salute. It was enough for the waterworks to start as she returned the sign of respect.

The sky isn't as blue as it used to be, Santosh noted as she stepped out of the station- bag slung loosely on her shoulders, and steps marching forward; there was no turning back from this.

The sun had started to sink beneath the horizon as she walked, casting a light shadow over the cyber expert and she found a family who stood at the back watching as their sun moved further and further away- blurring and then completely out of sight.

In this new life, she seeks the sun in the darkening sky and the light so freely given. The days of depending on the support of others are over. She can do so herself and appreciate her own little victories.

At the end of the day, the train had departed from the station towards a new destination- a new beginning. 

A/N: Don't forget to R&R! With that, I have come to the of my unintentionally created maddam sir AU. Let me know your thoughts, criticisms, what you liked and what you didn't!