A Dream Come True: Mehak’s Scandinavia Tour with Thrillophilia
Mehak zipped her suitcase, her heart racing with excitement. It had been almost a year since she last saw Atul. Work had scattered them across different cities, but when they decided to mark their reunion with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Scandinavia, everything fell into place. This wasn’t just any vacation. It was the fulfillment of a childhood dream—a chance to see the Northern Lights together, something they had talked about endlessly while growing up, inspired by their mutual love for The Golden Compass.
Atul, as always, had been the practical planner, organizing every detail of their trip with the help of Thrillophilia. Flights, accommodations, guided tours, and even their must-visit spots in Norway and Finland were meticulously planned. Mehak, on the other hand, brought spontaneity, jotting down secret notes about little cafes, bookstores, and photo-worthy spots they could explore along the way.
When their flight landed in Oslo, the crisp winter air greeted them. Mehak felt a spark of nostalgia as she saw Atul waiting for her at arrivals, his warm smile lighting up the cold surroundings. They hugged tightly, and for a moment, it felt as though no time had passed.
Their Scandinavian adventure began in Norway, exploring Oslo’s vibrant cityscape. They visited the Vigeland Sculpture Park, marveling at the unique bronze and granite sculptures, and strolled along Karl Johan's gate, warming their hands with cups of hot chocolate. The Royal Palace stood majestic amidst the snow, and they spent hours chatting while walking through its serene gardens.
From Oslo, they took the scenic Bergen Railway to the quaint town of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. The journey was breathtaking, with snow-covered landscapes and frozen rivers stretching as far as the eye could see. In Bergen, they wandered through Bryggen, the colorful UNESCO-listed wharf, and hiked up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city nestled between mountains and sea.
But the highlight of Norway was undoubtedly their fjord cruise through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wrapped in layers of wool and sipping mulled wine, they stood on the deck, awestruck by the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Mehak couldn’t help but steal glances at Atul, wondering if he felt the same thrill she did, not just from the view but from being here together.
As they crossed into Finland, the magic deepened. Their base in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, felt like stepping into a winter fairytale. They explored Santa Claus Village, wrote postcards stamped with the Arctic Circle seal, and laughed like children during their reindeer sleigh ride through a snow-draped forest.
One evening, Atul surprised Mehak with a husky safari under the stars. The sled glided effortlessly over the snow, the dogs barking excitedly, and Mehak held on tightly to Atul, the warmth of his presence grounding her in the frosty night.
But their most anticipated moment was yet to come. They traveled north to a remote glass igloo resort in Saariselkä, where the wilderness stretched endlessly under a canvas of stars. The glass dome of their igloo provided unobstructed views of the Arctic sky, and as they lay side by side, they talked about their childhood dreams, their favorite scenes from The Golden Compass, and the life they had lived since they last saw each other.
On their final night, their long-awaited dream came true. The Aurora Borealis began to dance across the sky, ribbons of green, pink, and violet shimmering in a surreal display. Atul grabbed Mehak’s hand and led her outside, where the icy air bit their cheeks, but neither of them cared. The Northern Lights were everything they had imagined and more- a celestial symphony of colors that seemed to connect the heavens to the Earth.
As they stood in awe, Atul turned to Mehak. She noticed his hands trembling, not from the cold but from something else. Before she could ask, he knelt down in the snow, pulling a small box from his coat pocket.
Mehak’s heart stopped.
With the Aurora swirling above them, Atul began to sing softly, his voice carrying the melody of Taylor Swift’s Love Story:
"Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone..."
Tears streamed down Mehak’s face. Taylor Swift was her favorite artist, and this was the song that had been their anthem through years of friendship and quiet longing. Atul’s voice wavered as he continued, his eyes never leaving hers.
“I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember, Mehak,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I know I haven’t always said it, but I’ve felt it every moment we’ve spent together. And now, under the lights we’ve always dreamed of seeing, I want to ask—will you marry me?”
Mehak laughed through her tears, nodding before he could even finish. “Yes, Atul! A thousand times yes!”
The Northern Lights blazed brighter, as if blessing their union. Atul slipped the ring onto her finger, and they hugged tightly, their breath mingling in the freezing air.
Their Scandinavian adventure had been everything they’d hoped for and more. From the fjords of Norway to the snowy forests of Finland, every moment had been magical. But as they stood together under the Aurora Borealis, their childhood dream realized, they knew they had found something even greater- a love that had been waiting for this perfect moment to bloom.
Read More: Thrillophilia Scandinavia Review