John Abraham, Bipasha Basu too busy for each other?

The decade-old jodi of actors John Abraham and Bipasha Basu has weathered more than its share of break-up and patch up rumours.

This off-screen couple has  also seen a lot of ups and downs over the years — what with reports linking Abraham to co-star Vidya Balan and Basu's rather infamous did-she-or-did-she-not-kiss soccer star Christiano Ronaldo mystery in Lisbon. But the two had always been able to water down the gossip-mongers in the past. There was also gossip of the two being a couple only for their brand value, and that theory keeps rearing its head every now and then.

Now there is once again a strong buzz of the two having split recently. But unlike the previous times, this time around there are no clarifications coming forth from either Basu or Abraham. Though initially, Bips did tweet claiming that all’s well, Abraham's no comment stance has left many baffled.

The ‘M’ word!
According to reports, one of the major reasons for a rift between Abraham and Basu is that they have been in a relationship long enough, but it’s not really going anywhere (read: marriage). Insiders refute this saying that the two are focusing on their careers at the moment and feel that marriage can wait. “They both have age and time on their side, so why rush?” says a source. An insider close to the Bong beauty points out, “Bipasha is a homely girl at heart. And she does discuss marriage, but she’s clear that when she marries, everything will take a backseat and she’s not ready to put her career on a back-burner yet. Abraham too is equally supportive of this.”

Distance makes the heart grow fonder…
Only in their case, the distance proved to be too much. Apparently, there have been times when Abraham's not been able to be there for his lady love and vice-versa thanks to their professional commitments. “But both are thorough professionals and after minor tiffs, the two understand this too,” says another source in their defence.

Girlfriend, boyfriend aur woh!
Both actors have had their moments of insecurity, revealed a close friend, “But then it’s only natural, and the two have managed to tide over those issues. No matter what their fans think, they know the truth from rumour.”

The real story!
Contrary to reports of their final split, close friends insist the two are still a couple. In fact, Bips has been rather prompt in replying to Abraham's whereabouts when a common friend asked, and another friend revealed his plans of partying some time soon with the couple. “The reason they are probably not putting rumours to rest is because they are fed up of their relationship being under the scanner all the time,” says a friend. Another added, “They are both so busy with their work, that the two are taking it as time off from not only each other but also from useless gossip. What happens between a couple, no one can really know, but the two are thick friends, no matter what their commitment status.”

The friend concludes, “The pressure does take a toll on couples but the two actors have been together for long  enough not to be bothered by such reports. Instead of clarifying, both are taking time off — Bips is shooting for Players and will soon leave for Russia while Abraham is busy with Desi Boys in London.