On a day when a story about two estranged brothers making their peace was sweeping the Oscars and A R Rahman was singing an ode to his mother, Indian business circles were abuzz with talk of India's best known sibling possibly getting ready to bury the hatchet — on their mother's birthday.

The Ambani brothers are coming together at least for a day on Tuesday. Mukesh and Anil Ambani will jointly celebrate their mother Kokilaben's 75th birthday at Sea Wind, their Mumbai residence, fuelling fresh speculation of a rapprochement.

But that hasn't stopped expectations from running high, especially given the importance of the occasion. ``Who doesn't hope it will happen?'' said a businessman close to the family. ``The mother is very keen to make it happen. But mind you, she's been trying to bring her sons together ever since they went their separate ways. And by the way, this isn't the first time that the brothers are coming together for a family function.''

The brothers first shook hands, after their acrimonious split, at the presentation ceremony of The Economic Times Awards four years ago. Ever since, there has been speculation about them burying their differences. These expectations have amplified in recent times, especially whenever the two have been together.

It's learnt that the two brothers would be jointly performing several functions, including a puja , on their mother's birthday. And, they may be together to receive and see off guests. ``Will this make the chemistry between the two work once more? I don't know,'' said a person known to the family. ``All I know is that in addition to Kokilaben, every family member, including all in-laws, have been pressing for a patch-up.''

Seems like a new twist awaits the market in near future if things as planned by the speculators and family members.