Contrary to media speculations of a split, Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi are still together, friends affirm.

"People think that Ash is into self-denial just because she keeps quiet about her feelings for Vivek. That isn't true. The fact is, she is a naturally shy person - she feels far more strongly than she can ever express," a close friend of the couple told IANS.

"Unlike Kareena who wears her heart on her sleeve, Ash chooses to keep it tucked away from public eye. She is terribly shy about broadcasting her personal feelings."

According to the friend, cynics had tried their level best to provoke Vivek when the green-eyed beauty merely giggled away questions about a boyfriend in David Letterman's chat show "60 minutes" recently.

"Vivek is far more demonstrative and would like to express his love more strongly. But because of Rai's diffident nature, he has to be discreet," the friend said.

In fact, the two are reportedly constantly in touch even though Ash is currently scuttling between Britain and the US for the shooting of Paul Berges' "Mistress Of Spices".