Deepika-Sidhartha call it quits?

The two-year-old relationship shows serious signs of wear and tear. According to insiders, this time it may be beyond repair

Here's a question. When was the last time you saw Deepika Padukone and Sidhartha Mallya make an appearance together? It is alright if you can't remember, because they have actually not stepped out for nearly three months.

It's been a while since the star and her billionaire boyfriend kissed in a stadium or made a 'couple entry' at Arpita Khan's party. It has also been a while since they were spotted at a private dinner at a mid-town restaurant. Jog your memory some more, and you will also recall the two making an appearance at a party, where Deepika's former flame seemed to get along famously with Sidhartha.

We saw the happy pictures. We read about the so-called bonhomie and the pleasantries exchanged and we wanted to believe that the couple have matured. What the pictures did not tell us was the true story of simmering tension between Deepika and Sidhartha.

What was so far in the realm of speculation, gained credence when Sidhartha was conspicuous by his absence at Deepika's apartment on his birthday earlier this month. Significantly, when Mallya Junior ushered in the New Year with a big bash, Deepika was not by his side either. For a couple so visible in each other's company and apparently endorsed by their mutual families, this was rather strange indeed.

A source closed to the star, spilled the beans on the strained relationship. "Since August 2010, they have made several appearances together. But if you recall, they have been strangely cold and aloof while talking about their relationship. But all of us wanted to believe that they were headed for something stronger when Sidhartha dined with Deepika's family."

But trouble was only a film deal away. Insiders reveal, fissures had been there but depeened when Deepika signed a project with Ranbir Kapoor. And while the actress has maintained a rather dignified poise with her ex, there have been reports about how Ranbir has been sending her grand gifts as a mark of their new-found friendship.

According to a few common friends, Sidhartha has confided to some of his close pals that "the relationship is not working and heading nowhere." In fact, as Mirror has learnt, Deepika and Sidhartha have not even been in touch with each other for a while now.

Will this two-year-old high-profile relationship survive this phase? Deepika's friend, who has known her for years says, "She is putting up a brave front, focusing on her work and hoping for the best." The source is however quick to add that it may be "a lost cause."

Despite repeated attempts, Deepika refused to comment. But her PR managers reverted, not denying the story, but requesting us to hold on to it for a few days. Maybe a lot will have changed by then.