Need advice

The age difference is not that great.

Sorry, but I have no idea why you are feeling the way you do.

Should I ask her out and get it over with? Or should I just wait and see if this is temporary?

Ask her out! It's obvious you have some feelings for her (:

Ask her out before you make a bigger deal of it than you have already.

You are obviously very attracted to this young woman, and the very fact that you chatted for so long indicates some mutual interest. The age difference isn't important - why not gather up the courage to speak to her again, and gauge whether her interest might stretch to a date with you? If she seems to happy to talk to you again, ask her out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained - the worst thing that can happen is that she will say no!

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I think you guys are right, I'll go ahead and meet with her again and see how it goes, and that if she's even remotely interested in me. I am glad I could share it here. This situation is unusual for me and I really feel stupid for feeling like this.

Before you ask her out, find out if she is "available."

Perhaps she has a BF. Find out from a mutual friend.

It isn't stupid to feel shy, or unsure of one's emotions. I just hope that she is available, and that you manage to go out with her. If not - and perhaps she is already spoken for - then better luck next time. You sound a nice person, thoughtful and considerate - so you're sure to find the right person eventually.

I don't think that we have any mutual friends, which makes it harder. But I surely won't bother her if she's seeing someone else (though I really hope she isn't).

Ask her to join you for coffee/tea. Don't worry about it all too much.

That sounds good. Yeah, I'll try not to think or worry too much about it.

In your first post you said she was single - so you must have touched upon the subject with her? Even if she is in a relationship, it is possible that you might become friends. But ehBeth is right, don't fret about it - keep it as spontaneous as possible, just suggest something to her casually. Best of luck to you.

Yes, that's what I gathered while talking to her. I didnt ask her explicitly though. But it'll be a good idea to make sure! Thanks. Trying not to fret about it!

Update:
Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement here.
So early this week I approached her again, and casually asked her for a coffee on Tuesday and again for a lunch yesterday, to which she agreed, both the times. We spoke about random things, but nothing personal. There were some awkward silences as well. Now, I adore her even more, but it is still hard for me to guage if she has any interest in me at all. I think she is very nice person and just being friendly. (Both the lunch and the coffee were very very casual. The lunch was at my company cafeteria, so I don't think it means anything.).
This morning, I found out that this weekend I have to go out of the country on a business trip, for a whole month!! I guess I will wait until I comeback to move forward and ask her out. One month of restlessness..

Thanks for the update - been wondering how you got on! It does sound as if she is interested in you too. I don't think she would have spent time with you on two occasions, however casual, if there wasn't some sort of spark between you.

It's unfortunate that the business trip has come at this particular time, just as you seemed to be making headway with the young woman, but perhaps it will give her time to think about you, and how she might get to know you better? It will certainly give you a chance to mull over your conversations with her, and decide how to proceed next.

Good luck - do return here when you get back. Have a good business trip.

Thanks! Yes, I'll get back here once I'm back and if I make any progress.

Ask her out! It's obvious you have some feelings for her.

@Lillyandrew, yes, I plan to do so once I am back. I am already nervous and restless!

I do hope that she says yes. It sounds as if you are pretty keen on her.

Did you manage to let it drop in conversation that you would be away for a while, or will she be unaware that you went away on business?

Fingers crossed that she is free and will accept an invitation from you to go on a date - or even just or another work/lunch meeting, if you are planning to take it slowly.