‘Oh God! I can see that all those dreams that manifest the magic of Christmas have announced their annual presence!’ I tease him.

‘Oh God! I can see that all those sarcastic remarks that manifest your belief in the everything-is-doomed theory have resurfaced!’ Zayn shoots back, imitating my tone and body language like a pro mimicry artist. We bubble over with laughter.

But really, it beats me how a man my age could believe all of this! Especially a man like Zayn. I know very well that all this hoo-ha about the ‘magic’ of Christmas is something the Westerners indulge in to keep their hopes and spirits up during the harsh winter months. Wasn’t this bone-chilling cold also the reason why all those centuries ago, they sailed off to such faraway countries like mine and Zayn’s and then colonized them? The fact that we have so much sunshine around the year must have completely bowled them over. And then they looted our people not just of their natural resources but also of their belief in themselves. Isn’t that the real reason why we’re all still fascinated with the West and why I pushed myself to leave my home and come here for a better life?

‘To the magic of Christmas!’ I raise my glass of wine.

‘To the magic within,’ Zayn whispers theatrically with his hand on his heart.

‘Any plans to go back home?’ I ask as I sip my heavenly nectar.

‘Oh yes, you know it! Same place this year too—my grandmother’s home in Nigeria. Going back for the warmth, the laughter and her legendary jollof rice. What about you?’

‘Same place here as well. Heading to San Francisco to my uncle’s lavish mansion. Can’t wait to stuff myself with all the meals that Aunt Mannie’s going to make, and go road-tripping with the family.’ I fake a grin.

‘Still not going back to India? It’s been years, Kee.’ He looks at me with genuine concern in his eyes.

‘Let’s not go there, Zayn. You know I don’t like to talk about it!’ I refrain from getting into a conversation that can potentially ruin my weekend.

‘Okay, okay. Sorry, babe!’

‘No problem!’ I say and force myself to smile.

‘Family and drama go hand in hand during the holidays, right? I still remember the first time I tried explaining the concept of Secret Santa to my relatives!’ Zayn tries to divert the conversation into safer topics.

I jump right in. ‘Aunt Mannie got so upset when we did a Secret Santa because she had to get a gift for Uncle Joe and not the children. I was supposed to get a gift for Ryan. She tried to switch with me many times because Ryan wanted a scooter, and there’s no way I could’ve lugged one all the way to San Francisco.’ I roll my eyes.