This is not the monsoon, mind you, these is what comes calling before the big event. Photo: Rahul R Pattom

The rain-lashed beaches wear a deserted look. Photo: Rahul R Pattom

Hurray! It's time to go to school in waterproof sandals and brightly colored raincoats and umbrellas. Photo: Rahul R Pattom

A stork shakes water off its plume and preens itself to be as good as new as the rain ends. Photo: Josekutty Panackal

Summer's almost gone. The wait is over and the monsoon's almost upon us. Photo: Josekutty Panackal

If you cannot afford a raincoat, an umbrella will do. Photo: Rijo Joseph

Rain turns them innovators as they find cover under a plastic film. Photo: Rinku Raj Mattancheriyil

Who minds a little rain with rainbow-hued umbrellas like this to gaze upon. Photo: Rinku Raj Mattancheriyil

The rain does not stop life on its tracks, it goes on. Photo: Rinku Raj Mattancheriyil

A close brush with rain. Photo: Rijo Joseph

A sudden downpour sends them looking for shelter under a parked truck. Photo: Rijo Joseph

The rain and the light create a meteor shower on the road. Photo: Josekutty Panackal

Driving through puddles and waterlogged roads. Photo: Josekutty Panackal

A helping hand is always a relief during the monsoon. Photo: Josekutty Panackal

A helping hand is always a relief during the monsoon. Photo: Josekutty Panackal

Riding through puddles and waterlogged roads. Photo: Josekutty Panackal