The lesson offers a vivid glimpse into Ruskin Bond’s diary, capturing the essence of monsoon and seasonal transitions in Mussoorie. It begins on June 24, when the monsoon sets in, bringing mist that silences birdsong and shrouds the hills, rendering them invisible. By June 25, early monsoon rains bring rising humidity and the first cobra lily emerges from the ferns. Bond describes the hill station and its valley as “A paradise that might have been,” emphasizing its beauty.

The rains also invite seasonal visitors like leopards, leeches, scarlet minivets, and drongos. The abundant rain ensures plenty of food for insect-eating birds. On August 2, relentless rain continued through the night, with leaks in the tin roof making Bond feel “touched by the rain” despite staying dry. By mid-August, showers persisted for eight to nine days, confining people indoors, leaving them to pace rooms or gaze out at the drenched landscape.

By the end of August, the monsoon reaches its peak, bringing lush greenery. The reddening of the cobra lily seeds signals the approaching end of the rains, with ferns beginning to turn yellow. October ushers in winter rains, with snow gracing the higher altitudes. By late March, winter comes to an end, marked by dark clouds and hailstorms that pave the way for vibrant rainbows and clear skies.