Ever since rumours have reached their zenith about the John and Bipasha split, the two have been missing for comments giving rise to a frenzy of speculation around their relationship.

A source from John's side though calls the friend of Bipasha's, who is apparently instrumental in the rumours, a liar and the only cause of the tension in the relationship.

The friend said that John is very troubled by rumours of his split with Bipasha. He is upset that he is being painted out to be the villain in the relationship.

The actor, who's currently shooting in Pondicherry for Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashayen, was unaware of the gravity of developments back home and the talk of the serious rift with Bipasha that's blowing across Mumbai... until very recently.

"Some people are definitely trying to create problems between him and Bipasha", says the friend, "seriously worrying him because Bipasha is the finest woman he has ever met. And he doesn't want a split with her."

Another flipside to the whole thingy is John's mommy deary, feeling weird about denying the break-up when they are still together. His mother is very upset and he's worried about her health.

As for rumours of an affair with debutante actress Sheetal Menon, the friend said, "John doesn't even know Sheetal Menon. Seriously, John and Bipasha are very much together. Every couple has arguments and disagreements. They are just going through a rough patch."

John will be away for an entire month for Kukunoor's film. He has said he will speak about this when he gets back." We'll be waiting.