What's the equation with Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor? First they were co-stars and friends, who were both apparently seeing other people. Then they started working on another movie, and by this time Ranbir had broken up with Deepika Padukone, while Katrina's relationship with Salman Khan was under the scanner again. Rumours were that Katrina and Ranbir were getting closer.

There have been lots of hide and seek play when it comes to the alleged relationship between Kapoor Khandan’s youngest charm Ranbir and the beautiful miss Kaif. RK and Katrina have been together for more than a year and are feeling the pressure of keeping their relationship a secret. The Kapoor clan has already welcomed Ms Kaif with open arms, so what's stopping the hot couple from announcing their love in public. The answer's simple enough: Salman Khan.

While Kapoor's ex Deepika Padukone has moved on, Katrina's ex Salman Khan still believes she is single. A source close to Salman confides, "He believes the Ranbir-Katrina romance to be a gimmick to promote their films together." It started on the sets on Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani and became stronger during Raajneeti. They were slated to work together in Anurag Basu's Silence but Katrina walked out due to script problems. But Katrina and Ranbir are slated to go on a world tour next year.

The couple who are totally committed to each other are still resorting to meeting secretly Ranbir's or her houses mostly, when they are in the city. When they are away, their secret meeting place is London. Recently, he took a few days off from the shooting of Rockstar and flew to UK from Prague, while she took off for a two-day break to London while shooting in Spain for Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara.

Friends close to Ranbir says, "They are very much in love. Katrina has even met all his uncles and aunts, who all approve of her. Even his parents, mom Neetu and dad Rishi are very fond of her. She often drops by at their Bandra home to meet them even when Ranbir isn't in town." The Kapoor khandaan is not in favour of their beta hiding his feelings for the girl he loves but they understand how this could cause problems for Kat.

Also, in the past, the Kapoor lad and Khan have had a problem, an episode they don't want repeated. The only way the young lovers can spend time together without upsetting their lives, is to do more films together. An insider adds, "The actress has been sending feelers openly to producers to cast them together. She's made it clear that if they are cast together, her price can be negotiated."

Ranbir feels that the time to flaunt his relationship with Katrina is at hand. It is learnt that they will make a public statement by making a public appearance together in coming months a la Kareena-Saif two years ago. Not too long ago, Katrina had confessed to a friend that she didn't want to announce she was seeing someone else when Salman was going through a low phase. Khan's riding on the crest of Dabaang success now and Katrina feels it's a good time for her to break the bad news to him.

Ranbir will go on his first world tour across 16 nations along with father Rishi from June 2011. Rishi will not only accompany him but also co-produce the event with the Moranis (scripting, creative and production). While Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra have confirmed to doing the show to be held in different parts of Europe, America, Canada, UAE and South Africa.

Katrina is even looking for a house next to Ranbir’s. Now whether this pair takes the podium to be the next Saifeena will be something we'll have to wait and watch out for!