As the year draws to an end, it is time to see how our B-town beloveds and their beaus fared at the love stakes…

Alia-Sidharth: It must have been love…

…but it’s over now. This Barbie doll and her Ken got all grown up and smashed our naïve expectations of a happily ever after. After months of living like conjoined twins – whether it was holidays a deux or partying together, these two lovebirds have called it a day. Even mentor K Jo realised they were serious about it this time. When Alia took off on her annual London holiday, it was with sister Shaheen – who BTW has also broken off with boyfriend Rohan ‘AIB’ Joshi – Sid was not part of the package. The chap himself has been trotting out stuff like, “There is nothing to clarify, accept or deny. We have great regard for each other…I think it’s a phase where we really need to concentrate on our work.” Uh-oh…

Varun-Natasha: Playing House

His hectic work schedules were touted to be the reason behind the trouble in the Varun-Natasha paradises. Amidst rumours of a split, Varun hosted a housewarming party at his spacious new pad. And there was Natasha right next to him! Word goes that his move is an attempt to spend more time with Natasha, and give her the time and the security she has been missing out on. Apparently the couple got back together on the condition that Varun devote more attention to the relationship. Hopefully it works!

Richa-Ali: It’s On!

They had apparently been dating for more than a year, but it only got noticed when Richa accompanied her beau, Fukrey co-star Ali Fazal to the premiere of Victoria And Abdul at the 74th Venice International Film Festival. Her explanation? “We are not Barack Obama (former US President) or Michelle Obama to make our relationship public. We are just two humble actors. So, I don’t think anyone cares about it.” Ali made his statement when he took to Instagram to share a picture with his lady-love which he captioned, “One of my favourite pictures. है तो है।.” Nice!

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Ranbir-Mahira: Ships in the Night

The infamous ‘smoking hot’ pics of this couple on a New York street, only confirmed suspicions that had been swirling around months earlier. The pair had met and hit it off famously earlier in the year at a party abroad. Away from prying eyes, they stayed in touch – a lot! Post the controversy, he stood by her, saying, “She is somebody who I admire and respect, for her achievements and even more for the person she is. It is very unfair the way she is being judged and spoken about”. This has apparently only spurred a petrified Mama Neetu to intensify a search for a suitable wife for her darling son, which led them all the way to the USA!

Salman-Iulia: The Real Thing?

With marriage still not anywhere on the horizon, and Salman and his ex, Katrina getting closer than ever during the filming of Tiger Zinda Hai, it looked like curtains for this relationship, when Iulia left for her hometown. Were the alleged ‘visa problems’ just a ruse? Apparently, not! The lady is back by her beau’s side and doesn’t show any signs of moving from there. Those in the know, say he is making sure to give Iulia time and attention even amidst his crazily hectic schedules. For now, all looks swell with Doamna Khan – or the Royal Mrs. Khan, as the Romanian tabloids address this beauty.

Deepika-Ranveer: Getting Demonstrative

The couple was hit by everything from break-up rumours to engagement reports this year. But they go on stronger than ever. Deepika, generally circumspect about her relationship, got surprisingly candid in her revelations… “When we're with each other, we don't need anything or anyone else. We're comfortable in each other's presence. Sometimes it's intelligent conversation, sometimes just silence, sometimes there's a childlike innocence. We keep each other grounded. We are good in that sense.” While not confirming marriage plans in 2018 – “I can't put a year to it” – she did add, “I can't wait to be a homemaker. Because from the time I was a little girl, I've always wanted to be that.” We can’t wait either!

Sonam-Anand: Love-up Story

These two spent the year all but making their relationship official, one loved-up post at a time. From a birthday wish that went, “Your enthusiasm, innocence and wonder makes you the best man ever. ❤️#everydayphenomenal” to umpteen pictures of them cosying up together in India and on holidays abroad, we really didn’t need the stylista to spell it out for us. “I will not hide it. But I will not talk about it. I don't believe in discussing it,” is her motto and she’s sticking by it. Just keep those posts coming, girl.

Farhan-Shraddha: At Road’s End

The year has been a rough one for this unlikely couple. Even as they continued to deny being more than just friends, the pressure of her parents’ disapproval combined with career woes has apparently left their love in splinters. Shraddha has evidently been going out of her way to avoid interacting with the Bhaag Milka Bhaag star, upset after he put a film being specially developed for her by Excel, on hold. After a hat-trick of flops, she clearly believes work needs more attention than love.