A Love Story Under the Northern Lights: Mehak’s Thrillophilia Trip Review of Scandinavia
It had been almost a year since I last saw Atul. Life in different cities had pulled us into the chaos of work and responsibilities, but neither distance nor time could diminish the bond we shared. He was my best friend, my confidant- and for years, the one person I secretly loved.
When he called one day and said, “Mehak, let’s finally do it. Scandinavia. Northern lights. You and me,” my heart skipped a beat. Seeing the aurora borealis had been our shared dream since childhood, and the idea of standing beneath that celestial spectacle with him felt like a fairytale.
With Thrillophilia helping us plan the perfect itinerary, we embarked on a journey to Norway and Finland. I couldn’t shake the nervous excitement. Would this trip bring us closer? Could I finally tell him how I felt? Little did I know, Atul had his own plans.
Day 1: Oslo – The Magic Begins
“Welcome to Scandinavia!” Atul exclaimed, his grin wide as he hugged me at Gardermoen Airport. It had been far too long since I’d seen him. His warmth felt like home.
Oslo was a beautiful start. We wandered through the cobblestone streets, explored the stunning Akershus Fortress, and marveled at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. “It’s so cold here!” I complained, pulling my scarf tighter.
“Wait until we get to Tromsø,” he teased. “This is nothing.”
At the Viking Ship Museum, I couldn’t help but butcher every Nordic name. “It’s ‘Gawk-stahd,’ Mehak,” Atul corrected for the fifth time, barely stifling his laughter.
“Well, excuse me, Mr. Fluent-in-Norwegian!” I shot back, mock-offended.
Later, strolling through Vigeland Park, we admired the intricate sculptures. Atul caught me staring at him and smirked. “What?”
“Nothing,” I replied quickly, feeling the blush creep up my face. But deep down, I wondered if he could sense how much I enjoyed just being near him.
Day 3: Flam Railway and Fjords – Nature’s Masterpiece
The Flam Railway journey was like stepping into a painting. Snow-dusted mountains, rushing waterfalls, and lush valleys unfolded outside the window. I pressed my nose against the glass, mesmerized.
“This is... breathtaking,” I whispered.
“Yeah,” Atul said softly, but when I glanced at him, he wasn’t looking at the view—he was looking at me.
The fjord cruise was no less magical. Wrapped in warm coats, we stood on the deck as the icy wind whipped past us. “Do you ever think about how perfect life would be if we could freeze moments like this?” I asked.
“Some moments don’t need freezing,” he replied. “They stay with you forever.”
Day 5: Tromsø – The Arctic Adventure
Tromsø felt like stepping into another world. The air was crisp, and the landscapes were surreal. We tried dog-sledding, an experience that was equal parts exhilarating and chaotic.
“You’re terrible at this!” Atul shouted over the barking dogs as I struggled to steer.
“I’m trying!” I yelled back, laughing uncontrollably.
That night, we lay on reindeer pelts under the vast Arctic sky, bundled in thick jackets. The aurora forecast wasn’t promising, but just being there felt magical.
“If we don’t see the lights tonight, it’s okay,” I said. “This is enough.”
“Patience, Mehak,” he replied, his tone carrying a weight I didn’t quite understand. “Good things take time.”
Day 7: Rovaniemi – Winter Wonderland
Crossing into Finland, we entered the charming town of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Atul insisted we write letters to Santa.
“Dear Santa,” I wrote, “please make all Atul’s dreams come true.”
He peeked at my note and raised an eyebrow. “All my dreams, huh? Careful what you wish for.”
“Why? Do you dream of something ridiculous, like owning a pet reindeer?”
“Maybe,” he said, laughing. “Or maybe something else entirely.”
We spent the day riding snowmobiles through the Lapland wilderness and visiting a glass igloo resort. As night fell, we lay inside our igloo, watching the stars glitter above us through the transparent roof.
“This place is perfect,” Atul murmured. “Almost as perfect as you.”
I froze. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing,” he said quickly, turning away.
The Grand Finale: The Northern Lights
Our final night was the one we had waited for- the northern lights. Standing on a frozen lake outside Tromsø, bundled up against the Arctic chill, we stared at the dark sky, waiting for it to come alive. The silence was profound, broken only by the crunch of snow beneath our boots.
Then, like magic, the heavens erupted in shades of green, purple, and gold. It was otherworldly, a symphony of light that danced across the sky. I felt tears prick my eyes.
“Atul,” I whispered, “it’s more beautiful than I ever imagined.”
He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Mehak, there’s something I need to do.”
Before I could respond, he dropped to one knee. My breath hitched as he pulled a small box from his pocket. Then he began to sing:
“Marry me, Juliet
You’ll never have to be alone...”
My heart raced. It was Taylor Swift- our Taylor Swift! He sang the lyrics with a trembling voice, but every word was filled with sincerity.
“When we were kids,” he said, standing, “we dreamed of this moment. But the truth is, you’ve always been my northern light, Mehak. Will you marry me?”
I was stunned. All this time, I had worried about hiding my feelings, never realizing he felt the same. Tears streamed down my face as I nodded. “Yes!” I cried, throwing my arms around him.
He slipped the ring onto my finger, and we stood there, under the most spectacular sky I’d ever seen. It wasn’t just a vacation. It was the beginning of forever.
As we headed back, hand in hand, I couldn’t stop smiling. The northern lights may have been the highlight, but for me, the true magic was in the moments we shared- laughing, exploring, and finally, confessing what had been in our hearts all along.
Somewhere in the frozen wilderness of Scandinavia, I found not just the aurora but the love of my life. And I knew, just like Atul said, that some moments don’t need freezing- they stay with you forever.