/> Contrary to the lies Sony's Sandeep Sickand has been peddling about a reconciliation with Balajee's head honcho, sources very close to Ekta have another startling story to tell.

Says an impeccable Balajee source, "Ekta had a closed-door meeting with Sony's head honcho Kunal Dasgupta. They discussed many ideas for soaps and also a reality show. Ekta agreed to be part of Sony in a big way. But on condition that Sandeep Sikcand be no part of her shows.

She clearly requested Dasgupta to keep Sikcand out. Dasgupta reassured Ekta that Sikckand might be leaving Sony. Ekta said she had no interest in his departure as long as he stayed out of her shows. "

Continues the source, "After the promos of Balajee's Dubai show Khwahish went on air Sandeep Sikcand started calling up Ekta and her associates asking for a meeting with her. Ekta reluctantly ageed. He met her. She heard him out.

Sikcand told Ekta he was leaving Sony. Ekta remained non-committal. She's smart enough to see through Sikcand's game plan. He didn't want people to think he was being asked to leave because of Ekta's big-time entry into Sony. He didn't want to look like a loser. "

Sans Sandeep Sikcand, Ekta has agreed to do five shows for Sony. According to the above-quoted Balajee source, "By the end of the year Balajee will have as many shows on Sony as they have on Star. Ekta has been roped in to give Star a run for their ratings. "

When contacted about the supposed rapprochement with her erstwhile employee Ekta chuckled, "As far as I'm concerned there never was any fight with Sandeep Sickand. So there's no question of a patch-up. "