The gossip was all abuzz and in overdrive over the arrival. Shah Rukh Khan's party at his high-class bungalow 'Mannat' in honour of pal Karan Johar's recent birthday witnessed the 3.a.m. arrival of a star, whose appearance is being seen as a lot more than just good wishes extended.

The global icon and fernery (friend turned enemy) who's desperately trying to reverse the bitterness, showed up with hubby Abhishek Bachchan and lensmen turned click crazy. Sly media types, however, are reading more into the congratulatory visit than ordinary folks can probably figure out.

Aishwarya was signed up for SRK's Chalte Chalte, though a certain Salman Khan who strode onto the sets and had a huge argument with her, nixed her chances of continuing in the film. A harried Shah Rukh, swung the scales in favour of Rani Mukerji.

Ever since, Aishwarya and Shah Rukh, really haven't seemed to bury hatchet. By showing up, occasionally for SRK bashes, Ash, insiders disclose is extending an olive branch to SRK on the professional front.

A source tells, "Aishwarya has a limited set of choices as far as her heroes go. She can't act opposite Salman for noticeable reasons. Besides, Aamir too is out of the question because of his close friendship with Salman. But if she does Shah Rukh back into the picture, she has one more top notch and potential hero for her movies."